thorn rose in quicksand

a pale siren lost at sea

gurgling a hymn, that's

what she means to me

 

she's saying little of late

quieter now than of yore

time's calmed her down

once I called her a whore

 

came home at all hours

partied till she dropped

spent money like water

manic how she shopped

 

once a nymphomaniac

in bed she wore me out

I was not the only one

she'd bed many a lout

 

yet with saving graces

love swam in her eyes

mistress in the kitchen

no cook beat her pies

 

when my sight failed

she was my minder

led me through town

no need to bind her

 

brought up our kids

took them to church

helpless I was, didn't

drop me in the lurch

 

fought like a tigress

we cried at her bed

still a mystery how

her life-force is dead

 

ashes on the mantel

blind now but nearer

strange as it seems

now I see her clearer