To look upon this dear old queen

Protected from sun and heat

In shaded chaise,

You’d never guess

That once upon a long lost time ago

I, too, was you.

Ah, yes, the summer I was tan

And thin

And wore a gold chain

And dazzled the men -

The rich and charming men.

My, that was grand.

Imagine this ole thang, the star attraction.

Me, commotion’s cause.

Morning picnic jam pot for hungry ants.

Fresh new fragrant blossom for bees beyond the dunes.

Ah yes, for those two weeks - or days?

or hours?

The belle of the ball.

A shameless flirt.

Harmless, alas, but shameless nonetheless.

Dancing from my suitors slowly, coyly.

A terrible tease.

And yet, my flirting, teasing gave my men

A thrill

To whet their fancy

Summer dreams.

My, that was fun.

That summer afternoon.

When I was tan.

So enjoy, my buff bronze buoyant boys of now.

Enjoy your moment in the sun.

I’ve had mine - this sunny day is yours.

Drink it while you can.

I sip a quiet and cool elixir now.

Without a drop of sorrow.

But do, sweet sweaty swaggering swells,

Do, dear boys, remember, this is fun.

Not life, but a charming little toy.

An amusement park ride,

A souvenir

That one day you’ll uncover

In the forgotten corner

Of the bottom drawer

And look upon

With a smile, and a smirk.

If you’re as lucky as I.

Ah, yes.

Remember that day

That summer I was tan

And thin

And wore a gold chain

And charmed the charming men?

– H. Mark Smith