A Younger Woman She Once Knew

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Jealous of a younger woman she once knew,
whose children thought she hung the moon,
whose husband told her she was pretty,
who laughed so much because the happiness
inside could not help spilling out. She wonders
where that woman is today, and if the children
who have grown to know their mother isn't quite
the genius they supposed don't tell her often that it
doesn't matter, that they love her just as much.
She wonders if the woman's husband's touch is still
as gentle, if he found a way to make her feel as beautiful
as when she was a bride, or if she is jealous of the
younger version of herself, as well. I'd like to tell her
that it doesn't have to be that way. That children growing
up and leaving home can open doors of friendship at another
level. That romance doesn't have to end at all, but I don't
think that she'd believe me while she's feeling sad
and introspective. Some things aren't believed
unless you're happy when you hear them,
till your heart is open to a thought that's new and better,
sweeter than the lies and grudges that you've held so dear.




(c) Ellen Gillette, 2014