The Score

I met a man while walking Along a deserted shore Who tipped his cap and smiled at me Then asked me what's the score The score, I do not understand I mumbled in reply Then he walked along beside me And said let me give it a try You look like you are off the tracks  Of a line you have long since traveled You step as if in a minefield Of a life that has unraveled.  Did you lose a job, a wife, a kid He asked with a knowing grin I wondered did he read my mail And where would I begin.  A job I spit out hastily He responded with a shrug Then asked what I was missing  Now that someone pulled the plug As I stumbled for an answer To what I missed the most My mind was doing cartwheels Being whipped from post to post.  The house, the kids tuition A night of restful sleep A place where I feel needed With some promises to keep.  A place where you feel needed He mumbled as he strolled Then handed me some sea glass Wrapped in a haze of gold.  It's not about where you came from He said handing me the glass Focus on tomorrow Forget about the past.  You see life is about tomorrow Not what you had before Then he vanished in the morning mist  and I finally knew the score.