Stanzas: Monthly Chapbooks January 2015: Ourobouros | Page 6

Observing the Future
Emer Hayes
Behind that fence
Where you now play
I once played there too
Half a lifetime ago.
With pink spotted tights
And bunches of hair
Just like you are now.
We too play hide and seek,
Although the rules have evolved with us.
I remember falling as you just have.
Nostalgia as your pain is assuaged
With sparkling stickers and sweets.
If only we could still see the wonders
That glimmer in your eyes
At the sight of balloons and bubbles and fireworks.
I must warn that with time
They dim to embers
And embers always fade.
That timeless bell now rings
And summons you to the present.
You can’t see me anyway
I am no more than a passing memory.
One of endless, faceless passers-by
In the land unknown to you
Outside that hell-gate.
I wish you could hear me tell you
All the life lessons I’ve learned;
To save you the pain and loss and time.
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