I Once Was...

I was once you oh youth!
I once had that light in my eyes just like you.
Yet now when I look into the mirror and I know that it does not lie, but reveals to me a sad and telling truth.

I was sick and my eyes grew evermore cold each day .
I had all those tubes stuck in both arms, and you were so sweet as you held my hand all the while saying it will be ok,
and all I could do was to cry softly in pain.
I knew and so did you that I was approaching the coming of my final day.

I remember how your skin felt so soft,
sort of a sweet smooth, not calloused and rough like mine from the passage of time.
My hands , oh my hands that had labored for many a year.
Hands that now shook with a knowing fear.

I knew that you would have to leave soon for there were other patients to care for like me.
I remember how I had wanted you to stay.
I wanted to hold on to youth for another day.

You’re gone now, you had to leave.
I’m all alone now and the light is beginning to dim.
My breathing is becoming more shallow and the veil that separates this world from the next has become thin.

Look at me now, look at what I have become.
If I could start all over again.
If I could only taste youth one more time.
If I could only break free from this pain.
Yet it is not to be.
I remember so vividly that I once upon a time was so young.
It’s not my time to go, no not just yet.
Please young one don’t let me go , please don’t leave me behind.

It’s over now…

J. Allen Wilson ©
9/9/18