And Now? Poem by Ray Mather

All gone now, all gone
That innocence
That cantering youth
That hope that held the head so high
Has hardened into now
And now
I curse my leaden legs
My tired eyes
And wonder where the newness went

All done now, all done
I’ve seen it all
False-promising truth
Keeps hope on hold and hand on heart
Head hunting where and how
And how
I purse my laughless lips
My wrinkled cheeks
And wonder at the life I’ve led