The Girl I Used to Be

The Girl I Used to Be

She came tonight as I sat alone

The girl I used to be

And she gazed at me with her earnest eyes

And questioned reproachfully

Have you forgotten the many plans 

And hopes I had for you?

The great career,

the splendid fame,

All the wonderful things to do?

Where is the mansion of  stately height,

With all of its gardens rare?

The silken robes that I dreamed for you,

And the shiny jewels in your hair?

And as she spoke

I was very sad

For I wanted her pleased with me

This slender girl from the shadowy past

The girl I used to be.

So gently rising 

I took her hand and guided her up the stairs

Where peacefully sleeping 

My babies lay, innocent, sweet and fair

And I told her that these are my only gems

And precious they are to me.

That silken robe is my motherhood

Of costly simplicity

And my mansion of stately height is love

And the only career I know

Is serving each day in these sheltered walls

For the dear ones who come and go.

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest

She smiled through her tears at me

And I saw the woman that I am now

Pleased the girl that I used to be!

~ Author Unknown