Golden Years

Memories start to fade away

Like a dream hard to remember

Tomorrow may forget today

Yesterday a floating ember

Blue skies dissolve to hazy gray

April collides with December      

Familiar strangers hold your hand

Smiling faces you scarce recall

Voices echo from a distant land

Obscure photographs on the wall

Golden years so eagerly planned

Not unlike a masquerade ball

Bucolic paths for tranquil walks

Serene adventures that you seek

Quiet times for reflective talks

Lauded right to let silence speak

No pressing need to race the clock

Youthful desires past their peak

You journey your last few miles

Notice your world dwindle in size

Respectful of all life’s trials

How countless years have made you wise

Go forth with endearing smiles

Keep the glow in your sparkling eyes

© pending Susan R. O’Brien