Swiftly pass the days
One by one they slip away
Without my being aware
They were there.

Gone so quickly it seems
And with it my dreams
Once shining bright
Now lost from sight.

Kind and gentle was I
Back when I was a child
Happy and carefree
That was me.

In the mirror before me
I take a peek
At the person I have come to be
Quite a different one I seek.

I see the years have taken a toll
And the face seems a bit old
Yet a resemblance faintly I see
Of the one I used to be.

The reflection I see
Is of the outer self
But the inner self it does not reveal...
The self that is real.

Did the years erase
The inner spirit
As well as the youthful glow of my face?
Alas, I fear it.

But it cannot be
For still my eyes
Have a sparkle and gleam
Seen by those who dream
And I can still see me.

Memories of life blessing me
Experiences making me strong
Love shared with family and friend
Happiness for what has been
And the will to continue on
Showing deep inside
Is still the girl I used to be.

ŠJane Ward Smith
September 13, 2010
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