Lines on a Birthday

DARLING, I know that I’m getting on
Whether I’m frisky, pretty, or wan.
When I look at myself in the mirror it’s true
The lines are thirty— ah! thirty and two.

The lines of a face which knows the guile
Of Vogue and Harper’s. The gamin smile
That says, “I’m no chicken, plain to see,
But couldn’t you go for thirty and three?”

The lines of a figure that loved to dance
And once could catch an admiring glance;
But now — alas! I’m sad to admit
The dress must let out if it’s going to fit.

The mirror can sec and so can I
The ten best years have just gone by.
“The ten best years” — what’s worse than that
A girdle does more for me than a hat!

But I can take it and like it, what’s more,
If you’ll say you still love me at thirty and four!