Overtaken (Poetry)

Distracted a moment
attention elsewhere
it slipped right on past me
as though lacking care
so somehow I missed it
my timing all wrong
too late when I noticed
the world had moved on

I wish I’d not woken
from youth’s simple dream
the days are now shadowed
and doubt presses keen
I struggle to reason
I fight with regret
the loves I thought precious
I’d rather forget

I’m lost on some highway
the traffic’s a race
my life overtaken
and dust in my face
one glance in the mirror
few miles left to burn
and not much to consider
except the next turn