On the Cusp of Thirty-Four

On the Cusp of Thirty-Four

I found the pictures in a box

I hadn't looked at them in years

I was eighteen, I was twenty-one

I was beautiful.

At the time I didn't think I was.

I now look upon my eyes and mouth

And skin and hair with regretful wonder

I will never look that good again.

I never embraced my beauty

As a woman.

As a human.

My hair it was redder

My skin it was smoother

My lips they were fuller

My body it was firmer

And I was smart to boot…good God.

I only looked to what the boys around me wanted

Blonde hair, blue eyes, big breasts

I didn't have it.

I wanted it.

I was so stupid.

I should have strutted down the street

I should have worn a tighter skirt

I should have been a little flirt

Should've, Would've, Could've.

Confidence came to me with age

I know who I am

I wish I knew then. 

It's true what they say…

Youth is wasted on the young.

~Darkling Plain, Sept. 12, 2006