That Once Was Me Poem by Paul Reed

I am surrounded by young people
All dashing about
Or lazing about
As the case may be
That once was me;

I too once stayed out all day
Drank lemonade
Saw the sun fade
Sat under a tree
That once was me;

I too once wore raggy jeans
Had long hair
Pretended I didn't care
Went on a spree
That once was me;

I too once was part of the crowd
Joined in the throng
Sang the same song
About being free
That once was me;

I too once thought I knew
What life was about
Had it all worked out
Thought the future could see
That once was me;

I too once ran down the wing
I could leave you behind
Centre forward to find
I skipped past you with glee
That once was me;

I too once could walk with a stride
Had nerves made of steel
Watched films reel-to-reel
Had eyes that could see
That once was me;

I too once had a plan
Would see it through
But as the time flew
It proved not to be
That once was me.