I stand beside the shallow lake
The water fading fast
And hark back to times of yore –
They seem so far apart
They were days of laughter and of joy
Replaced by solemn face
Reflected as the water fades
Distorted – fading grace
The face I see is old and gaunt
The face I knew was bright
I stand beside the shallow lake
Unclear in waning light
My hand it reaches up to feel
The lines I once knew not
The wrinkles and the double chin
How quickly time forgot
How quickly time will pass for worse
Youth gone for good it seems
But then a tap on shoulder felt
My eyes – they turn and gleam
Suddenly a girl I thought
Departed lifetime’s call
Like a rose – a bud that blooms
From flower it may fall
I see my hand – as calm as if
With strength displacing fear
Grasping her waist and then with rose
A smile doth appear
It happens that the trickling stream
Illuminates the face
That girl – the sweetest bud I’ve known
Replenishes the lake.
sensualism 