The Days Draw Near

Shades of black A reminder of early days Days when the stars Were considered a stone's throw away Days when Mother's call echoed Through the walls at cockcrow Days when father's fierce voice Brought fear to hearts Days when the sight of rain Was an invitation for play Days when life was empty Of any sort of responsibility Days when the sunrise commanded response Days when responsibility became priority Days when I lifted my seeds Days when I employed father's fierce voice against my plants But now, I alone in my world Sitting on the porch Staring into the burning sunset See only shades of grey