Something extraordinary just happened, that we had to share with you.

Every week, we hear from hundreds (sometimes thousands) of Boom readers. Usually, women write in to share questions or comments about who we are and what we do. 

But recently, one reader, Desiree Dupuis, sent us so much more. She sent us an original work of art—her pro-age poem you see below.

This poem passionately and truthfully illustrates what it means to fall in love with your ever-changing, ever-evolving body as you age.

It’s called “Exquisite.” We would be hard-pressed to come up with a more appropriate title for her gorgeous prose. In fact, if you look up the word “exquisite,” you’ll find it means “marked by flawless craftsmanship or by beautiful, ingenious, delicate or elaborate execution.”

“Beautiful, ingenious execution.” Sounds like our bodies, doesn’t it? 

With that, we’ll let you enjoy her pro-age prose below.

Exquisite
By Desiree Dupuis

May I celebrate the lines on my face
The creases and curves of my body

Each line etched
Every red mark and sun spot liberally made

They are a witness to my life
Divinely designed
A co-creation with Love Herself

Passion and pleasure explored and experienced
Love ever present
Desire sometimes changed

My body is a temple of devotion,
Engraved

Stretch marks
Expectantly made for my children
“Mom” the holiest of words received and expressed

Cellulite
Dimples and lines
Luscious curves and arches

My body is a love bank

A storage of experiences
Wondrously made

Smile lines
Lip lines
Brow lines

My face a map of expressions
A gentling of seasons and time

Shadows cast then passed
Light radiating outwards as Love 

Every line
Every crease
Every fold
Every wrinkle
I will celebrate

For I am a Woman

A sculpture of time …
An Exquisite work of art

Inspired by Love Herself, written by Desiree Dupuis

There are so many things we could say here. But we’ll let her extraordinary words speak for themselves. Instead, we’ll ask you: What do you think of this poem? Which line most resonates with you?