A Fading Queen

A FADING QUEEN by JOHN M. ARRIBAS She had all the feminine gifts those many years ago Drawing stares from everyone where ever she’d go Back in high school, she was the center of attraction In every classroom, she was a constant distraction Everyone ogled her, living next to her, I did as well Seems all the males were caught in lascivious spells Back to the beginning, to unravel this woeful tale Gorgeous baby from day one, perfect in every detail As she grew thru adulthood, she continued to beguile All the men, young and old, couldn’t resist her smile But with the growing beauty, another element shown A smattering of arrogance unfettered has grown Back in high school, she seemed to be always on top A majorette, a cheerleader, accolades non stop Voted the most likely to star and surely succeed There was no obstruction to dampen her speed I made my pitch, several times, hoping for romance Dream on peasant, she said: you haven’t a chance I never gave up in college, I made a pass or two She told me, I’m trolling for bigger fish than you And so it was, an heir to big money caught her eye On to the social set, bidding the peasants goodbye She was an immediate newcomer to the social elite Young n beautiful. A combination so hard to beat It was festive galas and fetes, with her at the top Presiding at charitable events nearly nonstop Her self promotion was constant: wearing thin Her first husband said: lady; this is where I came in So after seven childless years, they set the date A generous settlement: they decided to separate It wasn’t long before, she’s back in societal news Numerous suitors pined, she just couldn’t lose Her choice: a business czar, rough along the edges Hard to control, after a sequence of beverages Her notable effort in society fell into a breach A notch below hyannis port, below palm beach (2) a fading queen She paid no mind to the no-shows at her events But plod on, galas, banquets: barring no expense Her second, tired after eight years of neglect Awarded her a fortune in order to disconnect She was getting a little loose, around the lips Increasing wrinkles hastened the need of a lift Back on the circuit with a new tight smooth face Finds it difficult, to maintain the demanding pace She was being referred to: as last years queen She was getting too has been for the modern scene Along the way she hitched up with number three A wealthy banker, but they just couldn’t agree After two years, they went on separate ways Number four, a personal trainer, a 10 month stay The galas, the charities, slowly ebbed and died She turned to her old friends she once cast aside She sought me out, stating I was always her choice Recalling our friendship: a reverie to rejoice In early times, I pursued her , each time only to fail She’s lowered her terms, or, I’ve risen on her scale Time for us had passed, we’re on separate paths now Once verdant fields too sullied, no need to replow Her once unmatched beauty has ebbed to gray Her magnetic attraction has just faded away Still able to attract men, always young than she They stay a bit, cash in, gigolos never play free She now lives alone, in an eight bedroom mansion With in and out guests, she lures with a ransom She sits alone, much of the time, with nothing to do Scans albums, hoping each will bring something new Guests take advantage of her lonliness and wealth Wandering in and out and just helping themselves Many times she can be heard in truculent spats Arguing with her companions, a house full of cats Late in the day, on the balcony, she is usually seen The fading remnants of a once celebrated queen