The vivid pictures of me in my younger years have all
but yellowed and blurred, all details hidden ‘neath a smoky hue
I’ve noticed I am no longer the center of my world;
where once there were clear thoughts and purposeful intent,
today, I’m no longer sure footed, planted
but left with an awkwardly lean, unbalanced and uncertain
I can stand unnoticed in a middle of a crowded room
trying to catch a phrase or a single word to pick up on
and then contribute a thought, any notion,
something intelligent and real and interesting;
perhaps reflecting my insight and wit and yet
there’s nothing but pensive glances, grins and nods
as I grimace through another conversation,
straining to remain interesting – and interested
saying anything to cut through the silence and exhume
those lost hopes and dreams of my blurry, faded younger self
– Chris George
2015
