Maya Angelou

Just for a Time

Just for a Time - meaning Summary

Transient Youthful Love

The poem recollects a brief youthful romance with warmth and clear-eyed restraint. The speaker fondly recalls the lover’s charm, style, and the joy they inspired, yet resists indulgent nostalgia. Honesty tempers affection: the relationship is cherished but framed as temporary. Repetition of "for a time" underscores impermanence, turning personal memory into a simple admission that some loves are beautiful yet fleeting.

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Oh how you used to walk With that insouciant smile I liked to hear you talk And your style Pleased me for a while. You were my early love New as a day breaking in Spring You were the image of Everything That caused me to sing. I don't like reminiscing Nostalgia is not my forte I don't spill tears On yesterday's years But honesty makes me say, You were a precious pearl How I loved to see you shine, You were the perfect girl. And you were mine. For a time. For a time. Just for a time.

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