So Long Ago (Poetry)

It seems so long ago
our hearts and minds were young
we saw the world a different way
and trusted everyone

Life was a big adventure then
and love the prize we sought
we knew the game and played along
just as we’d all been taught

But some you win and some you lose
and heartbreak took its toll
now bruises need more time to heal
and suddenly you’re old

Your body leans age-ruined flesh
and counts itself betrayed
by years unnoticed slipping past
as memories slow-fade

How could it all have come to this
when only yesterday
the future loomed and promised us
a lifetime’s work and play?

It was a trick. Who can recall
those candles burning low —
dear faces lost, their names forgot?
It was too long ago