Tick-Tock

Childhood is a tree of gold Of fantasy and silver cone With all its legends to unfold The toddling self soon fits the mould For infant skills are quick to hone And simple steps grow firm and bold Peers tempt, stairs beckon. Parents scold Paste idols chant- their fans intone Their every word, to have, to hold Parenthood comes. Now life’s patrolled Rooted to house…the hearthside zone Watching new destinies unfold Mid life, the Future’s shrunk and sold Piecemeal. One plate. You’re home alone The golden tree's been lopped and polled Old Age. Shrunk withers. Prospects, cold Wrecked beauty. Failing flesh and bone How like a tumbleweed that’s rolled From meadow sweet to desert stone Where on thorn trees, life’s rags are blown