Drifting through the world
With carefree steps
She tangled and teased
Loved and lost
And loved again.

Walking forward -
Never ever looking back
She gathered experience,
Wrapped it around her
And wore it as a coat.

It's fabric was rich and full
Soft velvet, warm fur,
Sparkling organza -
Encrusted with gems
And lined with silk.

Every thread, every strand
Was woven in perfectly.
Each encounter
Picked out in golden beads
And displayed proudly

Yet as she walked on
She left pieces of herself behind
Slowly she became the coat
And it became her
Until the coat was all that remained.