to the pages of hindsight
I went to have a read
the lessons within its pages
were of a revealing creed

those many years ago
whence I was but a girl
a handsome fellow
sent my heart into a twirl
I gave him my affection
I gave him all he wanted
I gave him my all
yet I never received
an iota of affection in return

thence in my thirties
a new man stole my heart
and again the same mistake
I made by giving too much
always the giving
giving my stock in trade
yet no reciprocating
took part in our bi-lateral trade

the last man who
gained favor with my heart
took all the fondness
I had to offer him
he took
everything
as if it were for granted
taking
taking
is all he ever did
he gave nothing
in our relationship

I am alone
but that is by choice
as in my latter years  
I've wisdom which speaks
of true loves voice