Right Down To The Wick (Poetry)

Oh, there was a time
I’d burn the candle
boldly at both ends
and feel not one jot
worse for doing so

Youth was on my side
stores of energy
handily on tap
inexhaustible
natural as sap

It was possible
to cram so many
things into a day
and have time over
to enjoy in play

Now age has rationed
what once flowed so free
days aren’t long enough
and each chore expands —
needs rather more puff

And it’s frustrating
when life flickers so
shadows grow too quick
the flame’s burning low
right down to the wick