Wasted Beauty

large, dark eyes stare out of
a once pretty face now
tanned brown and dry as
weather-worn leather.
small, yet foreboding,
she never thought about
the short-lived beauty of
countrywomen –
that is, until her own daughter
flashed a brilliant smile,
revealing her own radiance.
she bore no regret
for the passing of
foolish youth or beauty –
having come through
sickness, poverty, and danger,
the sight of a pretty face
may bring a smile to her lips
but only as a simple reminder
of the truly bountiful life
she now led.