Wandering, Not Lost

The past sneers at me Breaking open bottled up memories- Of years of aimless wanderings, Of days spent in unbridled passion, The smell of cigarettes, ganja and beer Wine and women, bet and gambling, And the thrill of having won and lost ! Like the prodigal son, walked away from home, Leaving behind kith and kin Rambled through the murky corridors of life, In search of pleasure, riches and fame Once when I walked with stilted gait Surrounded by friends and fans, Amid laughter and haste Eager to please and to praise, Never, I knew this wouldn’t last! Inebriated and effervescent were we Went to ball and ballets Fancied money could buy all we yearned And turn this Earth-a virtual Paradise But how swift was the twist of fate! With no condiments, Life suddenly turned bland. The gorgeous castles I once built, Burnt down to cinders like dry leaves Blown away by the wind Friends, I thought never would desert, Flitted away one by one! Now I discern, I am alone With none to hold my hand Or share the burden With just my mournful shadow Tottering along to keep me company Having descried the truth I should no more battle with dark shadows Or get lost in the labyrinthine paths I must get out into the light I shall retrace my steps, back I will go Embrace the safety of my home And leave my heartache and sobs behind Oh, I am not lost as my eyes are now open! Placed Second Pick- A –Title Vol.27 Poetry Contest Sponsor- Edward Ibeh