The Sophisticated Lady

I loved her -
truly,
truly loved her.
It was never physical,
never romantic,
never reciprocated.
I was in love with her
in the way we fall in love
with future versions of ourselves.
I would be graceful.
I would be warm.
I would be daring,
genius,
hilarious,
revered - respected.
And now-
as I am the future version of my past self-
she is gone-
no longer a physical reminder
of all I have to accomplish.
And I remember
as I am a past version of my present self-
that I love her.