FOR PHYLLIS
by John T. Baker
The pyramiding years are seldom kind,
Too soon the seeds of age begin to bloom,
Too fast fades youth, too quick the face is lined,
Too frequently good spirits droop in gloom.

The labored breath grows short, the vision dim,
The hearty voice is cracked we used to know,
The once-proud figure stoops, no longer trim,
The eager step now hesitant and slow.

But somehow you've escaped, you creature rare,
As yet unmarked, unblemished from your prime;
For you alone remain forever fair
And lo become more radiant with time.

Which but confirms what long I've counted true -
How blest I am to be in love with you.