I USED TO KNOW HIM (POEM)

I used to know him

I used to know that boy….
That would never tell a lie, when you explain something to him
Always quick to ask you why,
and if something pained him dearly …wasn’t afraid to ever cry.

I used to know that boy….
That cracked a smile all the time,
that pestering child pulling on his grandfather’s shirt always begging for a dime.

I used to know that boy….
That when it came to life had a lot of fascination, baseball, artwork, poetry…
Always searching for a good laugh had a distaste for procrastination.

still I age..
like a captured lion in a cage… gradually losing my ferocity.. but inside I rage.
Still I age..
Sitting still in your thinking…“you could never know me”.. but if you really wanna know just ask, feel free!

I swear the more I’ve aged man….
That boys gotten bolder, his heart’s grown harder, and his blood more colder.

I swear… the more I’ve aged
He doesn’t even smile anymore,
looking battle hardened like he’s been away fighting a war, when I asked him where he’s been he just shrugs his shoulder.

I swear… the more I’ve aged
I told him sorry…
for not having his back…
I should’ve been there over the years I should’ve never done that,
I just knew it would scar me.

Still I Age,
like a captured lion in a cage… gradually losing my ferocity.. but inside I rage.
Still I age…
Sitting still in your thinking…“you could never know me”.. but if you really wanna know just ask, feel free!
　
　
By: Anthony R Barber Jr

as always...gratitude in advance for the upvotes and feedback, it's much appreciated

peace