Someone Told Me I Was Awfully Lovely Once

Someone told me I was awfully lovely
Once, I confess I don't know what was meant:
Was I exquisite, terrible torment
Or was I splendid to a poor degree
So that to beauty I was mockery?
And was I like this Once, before descent
Into my current state? Was the intent
To say I was lovely one time only?
Now, at the very least, I must return
The compliment to that astute someone:
It was some awfully lovely praise to earn
And surely you gifted on me chosen
Words, and I was in your first concern.
Still - I hunger every commendation.

May 14-15, May 19