Once Upon a Time

By Val Bowden

Once, there was a place in time for me,

There was a future and a hope of things to be.

But now there is a haze which drifts around

Casting shadows on my life’s high ground.

Once, I faced the world with head held high,

Could meet with people, laugh and rarely sigh.

In present times, a laugh is never heard,

In present times I seldom say a word.

Once, I had a confidence, and nerve 

To make a point, to argue and converse

With anyone I met; could hold my own,

Now that confidence has sadly flown.

Once, I was free, could take control;

My being was a person truly whole.

Over the years I’ve changed and have become

An altered person; full of feelings glum.

Once, the mirror showed reflections fine;

A look which pleased, a flattering body line.

To view my image now, one would not say

The person is the same as that of yesterday.

Once, I could see a smile, eyes large and brown

Full of expression, never looking down.

That face has changed; it’s now a mask

Which changes little, to move it is a task.

Once, I displayed a body that was straight,

Long legs that were admired, a normal gait.

To see me now, you’d think the legs were bent,

With knees pulled forward, energy soon spent.

Once, energy was vital, I could work 

At simultaneous tasks; I’d never shirk.

Ability has waned: regardless how I try

Now I can juggle only one ball in the sky

Once, writing was so easy; words would flow 

With little thought of how the page would grow.

The effort needed now is more like pain,

The concentration focused a constant strain

Once, living had a purpose. each day I’d wake

with no fears that my world could break.

The inner peace I felt, the calm, was strong;

But suddenly, it happened, I was wrong!