The Girl I Used to Be

"The Girl I Used To Be"

She came tonight as I stood alone,

The girl I used to be,

And she gazed at me with an earnest eye

And questioned reproachfully.

Have you forgotten the many plans

And hopes I had for you?

The great career, the splendid fame

The wonderful things you'd do?

Where is the mansion of stately height

With all it's gardens rare?

The silken robes that I dreamed for you

And the 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 that I used to be.

Ever so gently, I took her hand

And guided her up the stairs,

Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay

Innocent, sweet and fare.

I told her that these are my only gems,

And precious they are to me.

The silken robes are my motherhood

Of costly simplicity.

And my mansion of stately height is love.

And the only career I know,

Is serving within 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.

-Unknown author