The Girl I Used To Be

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

"Have you forgotten the many plans,
The hopes that were held for you;
The great career, the splendid fame,
And the wonderful things to do?"
"Where is your mansion of stately height,
With its gardens surpassing fair?"
The silken robe that was planned for you
And the jewels for your hair."
And as she talked I was very said,
For I wanted her pleased with me,
This slender girl from the shadowy past,
The girl I used to be.
Then gently arising I took her hand
And guided her up the stair
Where peacefully my babies lay
Innocent, sweet and fair.

I told her that they were my only gems,
And precious they are to me;
That my silken robe is motherhood
Of happy simplicity;
That my mansion of stately height is love,
And the only career I know
Is serving each day within sheltering walls
The dear ones who need me so.
And as I spoke to my shadowy guest,
She smiled through her tears that me--
For I saw that the woman I am now
Pleased the girl I used to be.
~Author unknown