Times Lost Poem by Colin Ian Jeffery

There was a time when all was light and bright
Richly lived, forgone golden days of childhood
Supported and encouraged by parents and brother
When I was raised with compassion inspiring.
Sweet years with love abundance, overwhelming.
Now, the black dog snaps fierce at my heels
Darkness shrouds the mind with writhing misery.
Loneliness, despair, trap and shackle the soul.
Old age pains the knees and falters the step
Arthritis joints making it painful to walk
Climbing stairs growing steadily in difficulty
Daily taking tablets lowering blood pressure
Trying to keep ahead of death's looming shadow
With time pressing hard and passing too quickly.