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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

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