She knows too well how age can disappoint the lovely dreams br of youth. br How once bright and delicate beauty has faded in the mirror br of truth. br The unfulfilled yearnings of so long ago are now mere br memories tucked into the corner of her mind. br And, as she reflects on how quickly life has passed her by, br it's clear that fate has not always been kind. br She's tired of fighting with the emotions of inner strife, br and hopes death will be a soft whisper as she nears the br end of her life.