Old Love

Three years we lived as one,
I, the Master, she the Mistress,
She did my bidding, answered my call-
Enveloped me in the long nights
Gave my days purpose.
A being apart-yet part of my being.
I met her as a boy, left her as a man.

Time passes....calendars turn
Ten years, twenty, twenty five.
We met once more,
She is bedraggled, unkempt, uncared for
A bag lady, the smell of age about her.
I remain in her presence for a few minutes
And, as I turn to leave,
I know she doesn't remember me.