Before And After (Poetry)

We used to have a life before
they stole our hopes and dreams away
the modest plans we kept for years
seem more like fantasy today

The world is strangely altered now
although it’s hard to pinpoint why
the view from here still looks the same
when some vague shadow haunts the sky

It feels like doom that hangs above
a heavy cloud that can’t be seen
but chills each thought and spreads its gloom
so smothers all that might have been

The restless nights stretch long with sighs
in mourning for what’s lost and gone
while steadfast through the darkness shines
a lonely star to wish upon

One trusted light the sailor prays
will guide his battered ship to shore
the ocean churns — his spirit yearns
for that old life he had before