Looking Ahead

Someone said ‘look to the future

When you have a minute to spare,

For life is a force of nature,’

When I looked, it wasn’t there,

I thought I might see the lights on

But all I could see was dark,

The shutters were on the horizon

There wasn’t a single spark.

But there, back over my shoulder

Was the way that it always was,

When all that I’d ever told her

Was hurrying on to loss,

For love was a broken promise

That followed the same old round,

It failed when I was dishonest

And ended up broken down.

Then time had finally failed me

There wasn’t any to spare,

I’d used up all my allotment

To find there was nothing there,

I stood alone in a corridor

Leading to empty space,

Where far ahead was a mirror for

Reflecting the loss of grace.

There isn’t the time to start again

To mull over gross mistakes,

Making new vows when time allows,

There isn’t the time it takes,

We carry the burden of our fame

If it all amounts to dross,

And all of the failures in each name

Are carved on a headstone cross.

David Lewis Paget

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

A logical story written my friend. Life goes quickly and mistakes made become part of us. I liked the ending. Realistic ending for the most of us. Thank you David for sharing the amazing words and tales.
Coyote

[TPK Stories]

The future isn't promised but it is fun to wonder what it will be...good write...David...

[Gaurav]

Cementing a great future and tormenting self for a failed past isn't what should be done. Flow like a wind on a shore of present is needed. Your poem is a tribute to some guilt left for life. Good one.

[D Connolly]

There's so many things that this brings to mind. Mostly how important RIGHT NOW is. The future isn't promised and the past can't be changed for better or worse. I like the end "the failures in each name are carved on a headstone cross". I think I know what I would like on my headstone "THAT WAS WEIRD"

[PhoenixDown]

Wow David. Just wow my man. You have taken me through fantastical, horror-filled scenes -- through ethereal worlds & now you present us with this. Your style culminates into something beyond all of that in this piece -- into something with a personal touch -- into something wearing a suit of skin -- into something quite real.

Gorgeous, as always David.
Wonderful work,
Phoenix

[Valentine]

Wow, this write took me to personal places, there is no promise of the future, the past is dead and gone, why hang on to guilt trips, live for each day and make the most of it that you can. That headstone may come quicker than you think as I well know. Powerful write. Valentine