My attention was elsewhere

Having reached a point in life,

 one given to certain eccentricities,

  this being one only mildly annoying,

I find myself examining my rambling past.

Highlights across the years,

 some more clear than others,

  and others vanishing into the mist,

I tend to notice a disturbing theme.

While physically present,

 conversationally engaged,

  and even emotionally attached,

I find my level of attention lacking.

That's not it,

  reasoning skirting honesty,

    while lucidity shimmers,

I wonder when it started?

Photos on the wall,

 watching with quizzical smiles,

  mirroring one of my own,

I see only a reflection in the glass.

Reviews

[Paul Bell]

Ah, the past and the answers that really should keep you from making that same mistake again.
Yet for some reason you just do it again.
But the get out must surely be, the past is the past, I'll drink to that.

[barleygirl]

Back in the old days, my mind was constantly whizzing, pondering, examining & preparing my response to EVERYTHING! Now that I'm old, I just don't give a s**t about very much and my mind has taken a backseat where it just wants to giggle & swoon. A while back, some whippersnapper reviewer told me that my writing was all written about the PAST! (good thing? bad thing?) In short, I'm fully on your blank wavelength! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Jon Roggie]

The mind comes by and visits every once in awhile, or at least so I like to pretend. Keeps people on their toes if they don't know how much you remember!

[barleygirl]

Hilarious! *wink! wink!*

[Lorry]

July 28th 2017. Thats the date it started for me and knowing that solves little Jon.
The reason i remember is it was the day i was smashed over the head with a bottle and decided there and then, after getting out of hospital, to escape the madness that is city life.
I think it was also the last time i wrote anything longer than 8 lines.
Perhaps not for the same reasons, but the destination is pretty much exact.
You have summed up superbly the confusion and worry of forgetfulness and the distracted mind, which in itself proves your point, you are more than physically present, judging by your considerable talent of writing.
And coincidentally coincidental, the court case is this wednesday. I hope its an eye for an eye judge. I have filled a soda bottle with cement just in case. 😀

[Lorry]

Ps... And as if to prove my point, it was actually 2018, not 17. 😀

[Jon Roggie]

I will what I was going for at times, and grab something just to make sure it wasn't a wasted trip.
Glad about the escape, but sorry about the bottle which led to it. Well, the user. Hopefully the case is resolved to your satisfaction, or whatever is closest legally.

Thanks!

Jon

[Lorry]

An eye for an eye will suffice Jon, but i dont think the judge will go for it 😀

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i start forgetting the present...but the past...i could examine it until the end...it will not go away.
those photos? trying to remember them, yes..can do that...
but a current photo...who is that?

[Jon Roggie]

Makes me wonder when my hair changed color.