In those days, the early days
I hated her in many ways
She laughed, she smiled, but all the while
She was choking down the rising bile
Of feelings kept and tears unwept
While all along her demons slept

Then came days, the later days
And grudgingly I saw the ways
She laughed, she smiled, and all the while
She balanced life with amazing style
Meetings kept while children slept
And I admired the shoes in which she'd stepped

And then the days, much later days
I came to see how many ways
She brought me smiles, and gave me style
And walked with me through every mile
Promises kept, and hugs when I wept
And a shadow of safety for times when I slept

And now these days, these precious days
I love her in so many ways
I laugh, and I smile, in her beautiful style
And I know at last it was more than worthwhile
Memories kept and happy tears wept
And at last she's the Me I finally accept.