Things That Were

Energy that barely waned,

no matter long and hard was spent -

and any whim that called my name

would sweep me off to where I went.

For there was always more to find,

at every turn, beneath each stone -

forgetting risk I ventured out

and willed to leave my comfort zone.

How high the upward stairs I climbed,

undaunted and with eager pace -

determined so to reach the top,

and even more, to win the race.

Nothing hard could not be gained,

so much was for the asking then -

the world, my oyster, thus to claim 

and all would say, "I knew her when."

What fearlessness, fool-heartiness,

such gall, if truth be told -

that person had in youthfulness

but whom, alas, grew old.