Blue-eyed and bright of face but waning fast <br />Into the sere of virginal decay, <br />I view her as she enters, day by day, <br />As a sweet sunset almost overpast. <br />Kindly and calm, patrician to the last, <br />Superbly falls her gown of sober gray, <br />And on her chignon's elegant array <br />The plainest cap is somehow touched with caste. <br />She talks BEETHOVEN; frowns disapprobation <br />At BALZAC'S name, sighs it at 'poor GEORGE SAND'S'; <br />Knows that she has exceeding pretty hands; <br />Speaks Latin with a right accentuation; <br />And gives at need (as one who understands) <br />Draught, counsel, diagnosis, exhortation.<br /><br />William Ernest Henley<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/staff-nurse-new-style/
