Walking along the shoreline.
I saw her.
A slender tanned queen.
Hair in the wind.
Her black dress leaves nothing to guess.
She has the kind of eyes that hold yours hostage.
Still. Focused.
Like a lioness ready to launch.
We crossed paths a few times before.
When we finally spoke, she seemed exactly as she appeared.
Direct and unflinching.
After a few more encounters, we became close.
She talks about her kids the way a lioness guards what’s hers.
Protective. Proud. Unwavering.
And while she carries all of that, she still makes room to be herself.
A woman who desires
and allows herself to be desired.
Her company is witty.
Aware. Unmistakable.
When she greets you, she embraces you.
She makes you feel alive.
And sometimes unsure when she stands too close.
The scars are there.
You only see them when she lets you.
Making her own choices cost her plenty.
She knew standing still would cost her soul.
So she kept moving.
She carries herself like someone who already trusts the future.
Men appear from time to time.
Some she entertains.
Others hesitate to step closer.
But her cubs will always be protected.
And she will remain true to herself.
That’s the only life she agreed to live.