A young lass and an old woman had a talk.

A young lass confessed with confidence,

You are too old a long distance to walk,

Your legs and your breath are the evidence.

 

An old woman answered with a smile:

Let's wait for a while and we'll see,

Years fly and you'll have a different style.

You don't look like working as a bee.

 

The young lass said: I am still beautiful,

You are gloomy and sad like a fall.

You are dutiful, as for me, I am usable.

You can not jump; some things are recalled.

 

An old woman looked into her eyes

And said: Your beauty is for a short time,

It looks like a morning sunrise

Be beautiful in your soul and sublime!

 

Your body can not be beautiful for long.

Your body is a shell where the soul lives.

Your soul can be sick and wrong,

Your soul fades away and nothing achieves.

 

The youth said with a grin: You are too boring!

I like dancing, shopping, money, and sex,

I can see most of these things you are ignoring.

Do you hear me, old hag? You better relax.

 

The old woman turned around and has gone,

A wisdom was given to her. She didn't argue.

Maybe modesty and nobility will be born,

Don't forget that old age is waiting for you!

 

©Larisa Rzhepishevska