I knew there were many things I had to rethink about her

She seemed a totally different person in her own space

Than the one I met in the space of a mutual acquaintance

Now she was cordial and gracious where as was never before

She opened the door inviting me in to what was her private world

With interesting memorabilia neatly positioned about the walls.

There was a most striking photograph I was most curious about

She seemed more than humbly pleased that I had even noticed

And modestly explained it was taken while in the prime of her life

Inferring it was when she felt beautiful, as if I needed proof

There was a time when she had been every man’s fantasy

When she walked into a room they stood and looked to garner her affection.

Even women often cast an envious eye in her direction

When potentially suitors eagerly sought her attention.

That was too many heartbreaks and failed romances ago

Now when she strolls into the room hardly anyone notices.

That is unless she flauntingly calls attention to herself

While she has aged gracefully, and her beauty continuously fades

It is her love life that has not been kind often obsessing her state of mind.

She seems to have learned time can be cruel as her beauty was fickle.

As suitor after suitor often strode in and out of her life

Each promising to be very different than any of the others

Yet in the end all turned out to be just another of many lovers

Now getting on in her years the only thing she has tangible to show

Photos of herself in her prime, that was longer ago than she cared to remember

Seldom will she linger at her reflection in the mirror

Since she doesn’t need reminding of her fading beauty

It wasn’t easy to admit, it’s been a while since she saw herself as beautiful

When I asked her age, in another most striking photograph

She threw her back she looked at me and giggled girlishly

Sir! A gentleman should never ask a lady that question!

But anyway she sighed! How old do you think I was then?

Having second thoughts about my answer, she smiles again.

Don’t answer that, you just might hurt my feelings.