‘‘Tis better that we parted years ago
When both were young, before the scorn of time
Had ravaged youth and beauty cruelly so,
Robbing sweet innocents; a murderous crime.
Now long apart, with memory but to stand
As tribute to lost lusty languorous days,
For still my heart your beauty does command
In fading visions worn by words of praise.
Yet when I do accost that brutal glass
To brave mirrored measure of my estimate,
Your youthful visage does my ruin there mask
And my decline sojourns, a welcomed state.
I look at you, your image melds with me,
There now both young, and ever so to be.

© Loubert S Suddaby. All Rights Reserved.