It's a cruel mistress that gives you life, love and youth all ever fading,

And the only compensation is the wit to see them fade,

Wisdom enough to see the frippery degrading,

And the ever certain knowledge that you must watch it degrade.

It's the bitterest of bitter pills to sense your wisdom growing,

Knowing as it grows you must watch your body fail,

'Til all that's left are memories and the sweet sorrow of knowing,

That you're wise enough to see, the cruel mistress must prevail.