2005-03-18: 12:16 p.m.

Concealed Transgressions

Underneath her facade of serenity
Was a smooth slab of painted mask.
It was a surface of flawless beauty
Where she hid her numerous cracks.

Not a soul suspected of her past;
Years that left her tattered, worn.
In that lifeless, barren cast,
Remained none but teeming scorn.

No one knew what she hid behind
The perfect show of confidence.
Daily, her hundred suitors lined
Hoping to beguile her innocence.

Though charming men they were
Departed all with rings in tow.
For not one did her heart prefer,
None to which her hand bestowed.

Years past her peak came and went
Her winter never turned to spring
But Nature claimed what she had lent
Leaving nothing of her everything.

Slowly, gray concealed her hair
And fiery eyes lost their flames.
While she wallowed in despair
Beauty faded from the dame.

Fame no longer held her name;
Long gone were the days of youth.
There was no one left to blame
As she died choking on the truth.