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Thief In the Night

“Time is the thief you cannot banish.”

Phyllis McGinley,
Writer, 1905-1978

When I was a child I longed to be older
so I could be done with childish things
Why Time, did you move so slowly?
Then before I knew it, 
you stole my childhood from me.

I never realized I was fair of face
until the lines of time appeared
My once strong features erased
I fought valiantly to reverse your effects
but no creams could stop your insidious advance

You deceived me into wasting you
work was what I gave you to.
In the process you stole what was precious 
Now all I have is a “Cat in a Cradle” life
Even though I am aware of your cunning
I know I am unable to stop your advance

So I will receive from you what I can
stretch you out in the now of my days
I choose not to reside in my many regrets
I choose not to fear my to few tomorrows. 
Those you steal away I will fondly remember 
One day you will be arrested sad thief
and I will be gifted eternity
Yes my God will give a new you back to me.

For Constance La France Quote Contest

I almost ran out of time to enter your contest. ;0)

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Nora Gibson

Date: 2/14/2021 3:02:00 PM

"I choose not to reside in my many regets I choose not to fear my to few tomorrows." I need to carry these words with me. Great lines .

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/2/2023 6:37:00 AM

Thanks for such a thoughtful response.

FJ Thomas

Date: 12/20/2020 5:29:00 PM

Yes, a quiet thief that one is. Can definitely relate to this one Rick.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/2/2023 6:37:00 AM

Thanks, sorry for the late response, I don’t spend much time here these days.

Sara Kendrick

Date: 11/20/2020 4:36:00 AM

Enjoyed reading this one. Time marches on but age doesn't remain static. Congrats on your winner. Sara

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/20/2020 5:50:00 AM

Thanks Sarah. ;0)

Eve Roper

Date: 11/16/2020 2:41:00 PM

Enjoyed reading, Richard. Congratulations on your win in Constance contest. Hugs Eve

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/20/2020 5:50:00 AM

Thanks Eve. Hugs Rick.

Alexis Y.

Date: 11/16/2020 12:03:00 AM

Hi Richard, I’m just coming back to say congrats on your win:-) Alexis

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/20/2020 5:50:00 AM

Thanks for dropping back.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 11/15/2020 3:36:00 PM

I really enjoyed this one and especially how you ended it, on such a positive note. Do not fret. You are still very fair of face. Are you monday's child as I am??

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/20/2020 5:51:00 AM

No idea. ;0)

Joseph May

Date: 11/15/2020 6:33:00 AM

When we were young it seemed we had an eternity to go, Well penned, Congrats on your win..

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/20/2020 5:52:00 AM

Thanks Joseph.

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 11/15/2020 6:06:00 AM

So true to life. I remember when I was young and wanted to be old. Now I'm old and know what's past cannot be changed. Congratulations on you win. ~~

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/15/2020 6:08:00 AM

Thanks Victor, much appreciated.

Constance La France

Date: 11/15/2020 2:21:00 AM

Richard, congratulations on your win in my Quote Inspired Contest _Constance

Harry Horsman

Date: 11/14/2020 6:48:00 PM

You describe time so well, Richard, like stepping stones from one era to the next..such awesome poetry..

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/15/2020 5:04:00 AM

Thanks so much Harry.

Alexis Y.

Date: 11/14/2020 7:25:00 AM

WoW!Richard, You have penned such a well written piece for the contest theme. I instantly thought about my childhood and my desire to grow up, it felt as though time moved really slow. Now I wish I would have appreciated being a kid. I can relate to that feeling of being robbed by time as a youth. You really captured the theme of the chosen quote very well.It looks like a winner to me. Best wishes in the contest. Have a wonderful weekend:-) Alexis

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/14/2020 10:41:00 AM

Thanks Alexis.:0).

Eileen Manassian

Date: 11/14/2020 2:52:00 AM

Very moving piece. My favorite line is the second line of the last stanza. Brilliant. Don't worry, Richard. You're one of those who look even better with age. Lucky you. Hugs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/14/2020 10:40:00 AM

You are kind, thanks Eileen. Hugs Rick. Thanks for the visit.

Akkina Downing

Date: 11/13/2020 8:46:00 PM

If only we could trade with time... awesome poem, Rick, I truly enjoy the read and of course I love it. I hope you win too :)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/14/2020 10:41:00 AM

Thanks so much Akkina.;0)

Tom Cunningham

Date: 11/13/2020 11:37:00 AM

Well written Richard, and as we get older we wish we could turn the clock back. Best of luck in the contest and enjoy your weekend. Tom

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/14/2020 10:41:00 AM

Much appreciated Tom. ;0)

Peter Dome

Date: 11/13/2020 10:19:00 AM

Wow. Hope you won. I wrote only last night, about time being the thief. Strangely enough. Very well written and heartfelt. Well done.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/14/2020 10:42:00 AM

Time will tell. Thanks Peter.

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 11/13/2020 7:28:00 AM

Ow wow Rick, this is clever and I really enjoyed it from beginning to end. Time is a thief, but as long as you live the time left to you out with a loved one, that is all that matters. Hugs and blessings my friend, Jennifer.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/13/2020 7:45:00 AM

Thanks again. ;0) Hugs Rick.