As I Grow Older Poem by Maurice Harris

Though many fond memories have I-many made in this very place,
I must bid a fond adieu still, because time's wend shan't erase
The pain caused, nor the scars ne'er to be seen!
It goes without saying: what an unmitigating heartbreak it has been!

The time lapsed from the attendant events, now numbers years-
Alas, nights pass yet, where I may fill a chalice with my tears!
I spend days afeared, 'looking over my shoulder';
NO! I shan't allow its lasting, as I grow older!

Many, many times, the Sun has risen and the Sun has, again, set-
Since that wretched day causal to the theft of the peace I may never again get!
I have been 'gone' so long, I barely know who I used to be-
A shell of my former self stands in the mirror now before me!
I yearn for my post-traumatic life to truly begin-
I long to look the 'real' me in the mirror once again!

Maurice Harris,9 June 2010