Does memory serve right?
For memory says she stood
Upon that hill in summer’s light
Expressing perfect womanhood.

How could it be a girl in shorts and blouse
That summer’s light taught thru
Stand as Helen did at Troy
To represent idyllic womanhood?

What she stood for did she know?
To stand in view wrapped in morning’s light
To make her beauty clear.
She must have known the lure of womanhood.

Yet they say ancient rhythms first sound
Before teachers come for the innocent ones.
They say the dance is never shown
Before they know the love of womanhood.

The story lies, though truth resides within it:
Innocence wilts before beauty’s soft eyes.
And on that day, upon that verdant hill
She knew the truth and used it well
To bring me the blessings of womanhood.

© 2016