I Wasn't Always

I wasn't always
this person you see now.
I had long red hair, green eyes,
a long neck, and a tiny waist.
Even after birthing two kids
men would still introduce themselves
in the grocery store
or follow me
waiting for the chance
to say hello
or ask me for a date.
Anyway, I put that aside so long ago.
My appearance now just has to please
me and my husband of thirty five years!
What freedom not to be the subject
of such speculation!
And that is the point I want to make.
I was always known to have
a fiery disposition and a keen intelligence,
but I think I peaked early,
beat down by care and discord.
I let my dreams slip through my fingers
and settled for less than I should have.
Should have gone for it.
The cost in the long run
would have been worth it.
Now I'm old and it is a pointless exercise,
but I still write.
Maybe some young girl will read this some day
and say
"I won't have those regrets,
because I'll see it through".
And I say "good for you".