In The Paling Light

Behind me, I hear The receding roar of years It sends chills down my spine Beads of sweat pop up on my brow What did I do all these years? Did I sleep through half my life Hibernating in my burrow Did I keep the promises vouched? Live up to the resolutions made? Could I light a fire in gloom? Did I wipe a tear? Could I bring a smile to anyone dear? For me, no more springing steps But a fast withering torso So awkward and unsure, I look on to the track ahead As the race winds down And the final turn in sight Once my life has been a round of cheer But no more can I cling onto those days so dear ‘Much have I seen and known’ Yet how little! To what all places I have been! How much joy and pain shared! How many dreams I dreamt! Now in this paling light, I stay Brooding over joys missed Conjuring unfulfilled longings Coiling back all the way to the start I am an autumn leaf Now turned red, And about to shed. As the world goes wheeling through Somehow I am pushing through Waiting for that tightening grip Of an unknown caller’s powerful fist! How am I going to respond to it? With regret or delight I am not sure Do the journey that lies ahead Take me to a sunlit abode Oh, don’t ask me I am not quite sure!