Menopause Projects, Indeed!
I have never married. Growing up, the expectation was that I would find a nice man, settle down, have a family and eventually age into grandchildren.
That always seemed at odds with the matriarchy that raised me. Looking back, it felt as though women were expected to compensate for outperforming the patriarchy by acquiescing to a world in which the balance remained firmly in favour of men. I fought against that expectation all my days—until, eventually, I began turning the fight into growth.
Attending the Business and Enterprise Expo, held in conjunction with Business Gateway Scottish Borders at the fabulous Mac Arts, brought home just how much I have achieved in the weeks since I walked into Business Gateway with an idea and a business plan.
I had a wry chuckle during the lightning talk on costing. The figures on the display bore little resemblance to the reality of building a business while working as an employee—the job that has supported my budding enterprise so far.
I had prepared for a trade show and was blindsided by networking.
I felt for the lady with the cakes, who was having a difficult day. Her carrot cake was amazing, and I hope everything works out for her. The lady with the embroidery business was lovely. In fact, everyone was lovely—and very energetic.
‘Menopause projects’, indeed. What a wonderful way to celebrate the next chapter of our lives.
I wrote this poem while sitting at my table during the expo. It will appear in my forthcoming poetry collection, Home. I have not found a name for her yet, so if you have any suggestions, please leave a comment.
The hills look bruised,
Welts of heather
Rising from ground starved of rain,
Sheep, like age spots, grazing the remains of summer.
The sky looks tired,
The brilliant blue of summer fading to azure,
Resting on the hills and sagging into season’s end,
Dark clouds gathering in the distance,
Heat leaving the evening air.
The world is tired,
Ageing, ageing into rain, cold, wind,
Seasons folding into crisis,
Balance lost and nature suffering
The encroachment of man.
