(This is a poem I love.  The author is unknown.)

She came tonight as I sat alone

The Girl I used to be

And she gazed at me with her earnest eye

And questioned reproachfully:

Have you forgotten the many plans 

And hopes I had for you:

The great career, the splendid fame,

All the wonderful things too

Where is the mansion of stately height

With all its gardens rare?

The silken robes that I dreamed for you

And the jewels in your hair?

And as she spoke, I was very sad 

For I wanted her pleased with me…

This slender girl from the shadowy past

The girl that I used to be.

So gently rising, I took her hand

And guided her up the stairs

Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay

Innocent, sweet, and fair.

And I told her that these are my only gems,

And precious they are to me;

That silken robes is my motherhood

Of costly simplicity.

And my mansion of stately height is love,

And the only career I know

Is serving each day in these sheltered walls

For the dear ones who come and go

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest,

She smiled through her tears at me.

And I saw the woman that I am now

Pleased the girl I used to be.