Youth

Like a ghost it haunts us. Like a sign at the side of the road it's soon behind us.

A young man traverses deserted streets

Past abandoned buildings

Their fronts worn with age

Down narrow dusky lanes

His footfalls echo

The noise of his steps

A forgotten promise

Bring watchers to windows

From dusty panes the onlookers watch

This young man is enviously cursed

What with his spry and easy steps

Yet undaunted he continues

And from on high they stare

With rheumy eyes

As youth walks on by

Till he’s further and far away

They watch this ghost that haunts the old