Once when the stars came out

and my head rested on a stack of pillows

I met her.

A youthful pale face, with red rosy cheeks

The ends of her hair curling up to brush against her ears

My ears.

I recognized this girl from old photo books, 

usually in black and white,

but nonetheless here she was

in all her color and beauty.

Years passed and

I watched her like a movie

A member of the audience

as each one of my cries out to her

were left to deaf ears.

A smart young capable girl was presented to me,

reminding me much of myself.

If only I had the heart to tell her the way that she would turn out.

My eyes open in the early hours of dawn,

a slight sprinkling of light peeking in through the curtains.

A very familiar woman is pacing in the hall,

shouting words that are far too vulgar to explore.

I recognize her as I just saw her moments before.

If only she had been able to stay the same woman I would have

loved to adore.