Lady of a Certain Reputation

Older than dirt.

At least older than the dust lining the window panes.

Winds. Of change. Of seasons. Of years. Of lives.

She steadily continues. Endures, some say.

The Matriarch.

Holding court as necessary. 

Her reputation. Her revered status.

She finds it tiresome at times.

But she seems to fill a need in those that follow, so she’s content to play the roll she was written into.

Their quiet reverence when granted an opportunity to pay homage, amusing.

As if she would break.

(Truth be told, the sheepskin welcomed against the cold.)

“Fresh and timeless” they gush in her presence.

“Thoughts still on the same page.”

“Relevance not faded one bit.”

Classic.

Oh, they are always wide-eyed. With well-tutored awe.

Difficult to not chuckle over their stammering as they try to recall what they had been told.

 Wouldn’t do to be unkind.

She was above all, fair.

Seen, too, what damage could be done by words.

And arrogance.

Hushed tones. Carefully rehearsed conversation.

As if a well-turned clever phrase would be inappropriate. Unwelcomed.

Ironic.

As if she could be shocked by anything after all these years.

Oh, to feel that excitement again. A little dangerous conversation.

A few selected memoirs to entertain? (We’d see who’s checks bushed first!)

Oh, the hidden meetings. The secret staircases.

The risk.

Just moving across the room seemed dangerous now.

No matter.

They were beginning to hint. To subtly inquire if she had plans.

Coming soon, her birthday!

Undoubtedly, they will want to make a fuss over this one.

Honestly, after the first 100, the novelty wears off.

To be continued.

Her story – and influence – of some length. Her willingness to speak, brief.

“Patience,” she says. (Although, she, herself, not known for it. Demanding.)

Anticipating Part 2.

(No, you’ll never guess. Try. But you won’t.)

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.

Glimmers of light. A glimpse of reality. An aging beauty, but not dead yet. Rich, influential, and well-known. But who is she?

While you’re puzzling, posts about two different fine ladies:

• “Performances begin in the wings”
• “Gilded cage? Auf Wiedersehen. Danke”

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