I was never fully able,
To map out that foggy paradise.
Nor did I ever manage,
To completely call it mine.
Steadfast, I studied its
Green water and white sand.
But all in vain.
Father Time had to remind
Foolish, youthful adventurers
That time cannot decline,
It's looming expiration.

But looking back,
It's much more clear.
In my mind,
I can paint every pathway.
Every palm tree, and
Every still life pond.
Wherein reflects,
The signs I missed.
The calls I never heard.

Never understood its turns
Till existence came to rest,
Far out of physical reach.
But then,
It was inevitably too late.

Now I trip
Over scrambled memories
As they wander back to visit me.
Treasures sweet
Shining tokens of gold.

Once in a precious while,
Deep within me
I pretend
I'm soaking in that pond again,
And that face breathes a smile
Reawakening time to begin.