I once saw in you
something special
some potential
that was incredible
impeccable
some ambition
erudition
a deep dream
in your bloodstream
burning
yearning
to be recognized
realized
crystallized
released.
It was evident
resonant
overflowing
glowing
brightly
spritely
lively
through your eyes –
an impending surprise.
Now the light has gone grey
the fight’s gone away
lost in the vast
in the past
in the yesterday.
Where has it gone?
Have you withdrawn?
Did you wander too long
too far
too close to the edge
or squander it
waste it
misplace it
replace it?
Did it fade
disappear in fear
flow into the atmosphere
float off as a butterfly
in the twilight sky?
Were you told
scolded
admonished
that it wasn’t only a waste
of distaste,
but you were now nullified
ostracized
vilified
for leading others
away
astray
in disarray too?
Was it merely time
to say goodbye,
or did you let it die
cruelly
or quietly
as you stood by – aside
in silence
in pretense
trying to justify
its absence?