by

Turning 49

Every year on my birthday, I write a poem. This year, I decided to pair those words with a series of self-portraits. I’m so grateful for this space and for everyone who stops by to read. If any of these words or images resonate with you, please let me know—I’d love to hear from you. I’m so glad you’re here.

49

Within my freckled chest lie
sheets of watercolor paper over
saturated and weak in the middle
where I pressed too hard, bending
into rainbow shapes. My hips

tell of this separation, of forty-nine
years of horses, dogs, babies, troubles
sat propped against bones, praying
understanding will expose fragmented
shadows, pockets of light. Tomorrow

another sunrise, pink fog touching
horizon, hot coffee sweetened just
right with words now said instead 
of swallowed whole. White-crested waves
wake the birds, and the tide-pull aches

in every corner. See clouds
reflect upon the sand, soft starfish
clinging to crag-born rock, green flashes
flinty like my eyes. Look for it, keep tracing 
thumb over back of hand. This time

next time
another time
all time.

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

#11

#12

#13

#14

#15

#16

#17

#18

#19

#20

#21

#22

#23

#24

#25
  • A little note about self-portraits: I took these using my tripod and the timer on my camera. It did not occur to me (until I was done) to use Auto mode, so I kept trying to get in the focus point, hence the mixed results here. I think it works for this set, but if anyone has tips on self-portrait photography, I’d love to hear them.
  • These were taken with my Olympus E-M1 MarkII, using various lenses and edited with Lightroom Classic

45 thoughts on “Turning 49”

  4. Oh, #6! There’s a challenging and confident pose. And so young – and nowhere near your 60s which is the best decade, so much to look forward to.

    And your poetry – I’m trying out a bit of free verse having always favoured rhyme and rhythm. I’m gaining inspiration from your work. Happy Birthday Bridgette.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Awww, thanks so much, Roy. My favorite part of aging is starting to appreciate myself more. I don’t focus on all the flaws so much anymore, but embrace who I am right now. That’s kind of cool, and I imagine that only gets greater with time. I’m growing my hair out, because by the time I’m in my 60s, I want long, grey braids 🙂

      That’s so cool that my poem gave you inspiration. I haven’t been writing lately, but after my 100 day photography project wraps up, I’m going to challenge myself to 100 days of poetry. Stay tuned for a lot more words coming your way!

      Oh, and I’m excited to hear you are trying out free verse. It’s my favorite.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  11. Happy 49th! I hope you have a lovely year with many happy discoveries. Again, I am so impressed with your poetry. You write with such assurance and vision, I enjoy going back to the beginning to find other facets in the poem.

    The sign warning of a dangerous path! I hope you avoided it!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Thank you for such kind words and for enjoying my poem. I’ve not been writing much lately and it felt good to let that poem take shape.

      I actually have to walk that path to the ocean, but I just go really slow.

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment