The Girl I Used To Be

She came tonight as I sat alone,
The girl I used to be,
She gazed at me with earnest eyes,
That questioned reproachfully.

Have you forgotten the many plans,
And the hopes I had for you?
The great career, the splendid fame,
All the wonderful things you would do!

Where is the mansion of stately height,
With all its 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,
Would she like the life I now had,
This slender girl,I used to be.


So gently rising, I took her hand,
And guided her up the stairs,
Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay,
So innocent, sweet, and fair.

I told her these are my only gems,
And precious they are to me,
That silken robe is my Motherhood,
Of costly simplicity..


My mansion of stately height, is love,
And the only career I know,
Is serving each day in these sheltered walls,
My 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 I am now,
Pleased the girl I used to be.

~Ruth Carter Bourdon ~