I was, they say, a nonpareil of wit,
accomplished in the art of conversation
and, in whatever social situation
I found myself, I’d guarantee to fit.
I was, they say, au fait with all the arts
and sciences, made ripples in the lake
of scholarship, while leaving in my wake
a veritable trail of broken hearts.
I had, they say, simply to pick and choose
among the glamorous, the cognoscenti,
and take the cream. A husband? I had plenty,
nor ever thought to stop and question whose.
I was, they say, a legend in my prime.
...............................................
I wish I could have been there at the time.