Joleva's Cozy Corner

WHEN I WAS YOUNG
written by Joleva (c) 2001


When I was young I had a beauty untold. Vanity was my middle name. The hearts I have broken were many. I had love only for myself. Selfish and cruel I did not realize how hurtful I was. People turned away and did not look back, I did the same. I was young and strong. I did not need anyone. I could do anything I set out to do. Or so I thought. The years soon passed. Beauty faded. In vain I tried to stop it from happening. It happened just the same. My golden hair turned grey, my vision dimmed. I walked slower and my strength had waned. Where did the years go? With each passing day a new problem arose. Why is this happening to ME? I who was the most beautiful thing to look at and look at me now. No beauty and no one to share life with.

One day on a park bench I sat and cried. I pitied my fate and cursed at the gods. "Why all the tears?" I heard someone say. Who dared speak to me in my moment of weakness? Go away I thought, angered at this intrusion. I turned to look and there sat a woman much older than I. Her hair white as snow, her back stooped, gnarled old hands clutched a crooked cane. She stared straight ahead and asked me again. What possessed me to answer back, I do not know. I told her my plight and my woe. " I am blind, yet I see." she stated. "What do you see?" I asked. "I see a woman lonely and sad. No joy in her heart or her voice, pining for things that matter not on this earth. True beauty lies in your heart. It is love that shines through. With love lies the true beauty of the woman."
"How wise you are, who are you and where were you when I was young?
"I was always there, sadly you pushed me away,
my name is.... love."