While spending many years

Surviving illness dire

Appearance was irrelevant

When I nearly did expire

But time passes ever on

Gradually the body mended

Interest returned and with

A curiosity now blended

Whatever else, vanity

Has never played a part

In my busy daily life

After quick wash I would depart

A cursory glance at my hair

A flick with comb or brush

Neat and tidy were my clothes

I then left in a rush

When young I was teased

By an elder brother dear

‘Looks were not important’

To me that was made clear

I must have saved a fortune

No make- up bag for me

I didn't stand out in any crowd

But I always looked like me

Recently I had a shock

When close up I espied

My face in the mirror, new reality

Could no longer be denied

Instead of seeing a smooth facade

I was left in little doubt

I saw what resembled a riverbed

After a severe, and desperate drought

Time has been the thief, but

I can't visit any lawyer

So I simply took off my specs

And put them in a drawer

If I look at recent photos

I look both old and worn

As if on the template of my face

An ancient map's been drawn

But, my features didn't assist

In the long fight with pain

It was the inner me whose courage

Did my life sustain

My husband doesn't notice

And my children do not care

All are thankful I am around

And their lives once more can share

I can't bring back years I lost

And try not to feel regret

But, if I catch sight of my image

It's quite impossible to forget