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It's true that I'm showing the ravages of time
And I've long since forgotten when life was sublime
Now menopausal symptoms weigh heavy on my mind
And 'empty nest' syndrome follows closely behind.

So forgive me, my Darling, if I'm no longer 'hot stuff'
Times, they are changing and I've had enough
I've been the spine of the family, and juggled many tasks
This should be the time when, in glory, one basks.

But in reality, these changes are earth shatteringly depressing
A job well done, now I'm free - one could say - what a blessing!
You are now the focus of my entire life
I'm all yours at last - a battered, faithful old wife.

A dried up old prune, with nothing left to give
God give me the strength so that I can now live!
Let me break from these shackles of household domesticity
Let me breathe and be free and live a life of simplicity.

Before terminal illness or Dementia appears
Or the other silent killer that all of us fears
Can we spend a few years free of burden together?
Will a rainbow appear and reveal sunny weather.

Can we be close again like we were at the start
When love was so tender and you stole my heart
A million years ago, when expectations were high
Life's gone in a flash, so let's give it a try.

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© Copyright Harriet Blackbury 2006