As Shadows Lengthen

I didn't come here to talk about what is lost.
I know what is. I saw it go: the hair, the
Supple skin, the fire in the eyes, the cheery
Confidence of stupid youth. And I have
Known you long enough to see the same
Decay in you, a beauty in those early
Years, but, now, like me, a wizened
Creature, noticed only when your halting
Steps have put you in the way of those
Who would have stopped before, and
Begged to spend some time with you.
I'm here. Of course; we both have time,
Though little else, and not too many
Places left we'd like to go. I take the
Chair that's next to yours, and drink
The coffee that you bring, and help
You build your lists of losts, but what
I would prefer is this: to wrap you
In these skinny arms, and feel my
Dried-out lips against those I so
Wanted once, so long ago, and seem,
Despite the decades passed, and all
That's lost, to badly want again.



Poetry by Lawrence Beck The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 23 times
Written on 2011-09-20 at 13:14

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