(for Peggy, my mother)
you are beautiful
then
as I see you
fifteen years
before I was born
and believe me
I see a true likeness
young
alone
light of form
quick of soul
dark
alert
shy-bold
wary and fearless
stepping westwards
brisk and thoughtful
the paths of life
and very beautiful
then as now
a lot
gets talked
about beauty
how it is
the beauty of the soul
that counts
well, in one way, perhaps
but not in another ....
you are lovely still
in both ways
and in all ways
and I love you
still
26th May 1990