* Vanishing Youth Poem by Terence George Craddock

Because
you are so young
so solemnly beautiful;
have an artistic academically
gifted priviledged life;
shining ahead of you.

Because
I am so old
weathered unhappy worn;
have no illustrious life to look
forward witness worthy too;
anymore.

Youth
always leaves
goes away
never to ransom return.
One day you will
know acknowledge this too.

My sweet
vanishing
youth.
My life vacated
also left
with belladonna you.

If I could dream
I would dream
of sparkling you.
Instead
I silently
constantly scream.

I miss you.
I miss you.
I miss you.

This echoing
dirge
never leaves
like you.


Copyright © Terence George Craddock