Trapped

Most everyone encountered,
Meets imaginary me.
The clothes that do not make the man,
Announce the part they see.

With trusting, reversed eyes I look,
On mirror’s lying tales;
The one I’ve recognized, forsook,
Youthful strength now fails.

Longing, seeking future days,
With grown up avenue,
Attracts the young like lights of night,
As moths each one, pays due.

The hair that once adorned my head,
Departed, thinned, and gray.
Struck confidence a cautious blow;
Confused from chance instead.

The words I speak; expressing mind;
Explain I’ll try to do.
Display the cultured self,
Time’s enemy I’ll find

Although the youthful days are fade,
Within I’m still in bloom,
Each day brings riches I won’t trade
I’ll tolerate the gloom.

I trust my friends and fellows,
Too riches deep will seek.
For those who look upon the shell,
Paint values gray and bleak.