For so long, wanting to find love, waiting to be loved, thinking only through a man's love would my life begin.

Then work became my All, on its altar I sacrificed my energy and my joy, for how long can you steep yourself in the misery of others without it coloring how you see?

 Now I stand on another threshold, seeing the years ahead grow short and wondering how much time is left, and how will I spend its precious wealth on what remains?