Years before, her laughter
Had sung with the larks
Boys bowed with embarrassed naivety
To glance her was a mortal sin
And forgiveness would be brought to bear
She was unknowing and guileless
In her innocence
Maturity had yet to call her name
She danced a youthful dance
An unfledged bird, to a first flight
Chased down a corridor of womanliness
Whose form was a blossomed flower
They begged for her hand
She threw her head back
And declined
Years after, her laughter
Was an quiescent song
The boys were men
And she, enriched and serene
As beautiful now, though just a girl