AS FLEET AS A LIFE

 
To end up alone 
in a world full of pain,
where life has become 
just a cold dark refrain.

To drift along on strange endless tracks
on the maps of a mind 
that is fading to black.
  
A face; a feeling that once felt so real,
excitement that should have felt 
so full of zeal.

But a memory is all; 
just a fading wisp,
reaching out to touch frowning lips.
  
Closing eyes on a world now so fleet,
time moving faster 
than your tired, aching feet.

The ticking-tock of the clock in the hall,
whispering time 
at the pendulums call.
  
A sound; a voice in a distant room,
echoing close 
but then gone just as soon.

Calling a name that’s familiar
but then, long forgotten
and fading again.
  
Alone in the crowd; 
"May as well not be here",
strangers talking 
that simply can't hear.

Their words coming slurred 
from distorted lips,
hurting my ears 
plugged with gnarled fingertips.
  
To end up forgotten 
in a world full of shadows,
struggling to breathe 
in a river so shallow.

Washed away 
in the tides of an age 
by a current too strong 
to turn back the page.
  
Find a blank sheet,
and with trembling fingers 
grasp the pen;
watch the nib as it lingers.

So much to say 
and a future to live,
why must we fade 
with so much still to give?
  
A cruel callous twist 
in the hands of fate,
the garden is fading;
the path and the gate.

To end up alone 
in a world full of pain
where life has become 
just a cold dark refrain.
  

 * 
 Written by Darren Scanlon, 21st June 2014.
 Revised by Darren Scanlon 13th January 2021.
 ©2021 Darren Scanlon. All rights reserved.