Capers and Cartwheels

Hard to imagine that this classy lady
who every day seals big business deals
was once upon a time a wild tomboy
skipping a rope and doing cartwheels
with her slim legs swinging in the air
insouciantly showing us her knickers
and nothing could stop her exhibition
not even catcalls or stifled snickers.

Now she moves in aristocratic circles
with baronets - in coronets - and lords.
She doesn’t speak anymore in dialect
but very carefully enunciates her words.
Her new world is definitely a brave one
but now that she has become the boss
she tends to ignore all her old friends
and does not seem to give a toss.

Perhaps we are too harsh in criticising
the reason why she adopted that stance;
because her desire was to better herself,
she did just that when she’d the chance.
She made use of wheels within wheels
and her affairs were much too complex.
Refused point blank the general view
that women were the weaker sex.

While she’s progressed we still remain
romantically  attached to our youth.
We can’t let go of cherished memories
and we are reluctant to face the truth
that we are envious of her lifestyle.
We would like to ask her how she feels,
whether she is happy or if she regrets
no longer skipping or doing cartwheels.

© Luigi Pagano 2016