Oh it was good back then
Let me begin by saying
It was good
and never again
I was afraid to step outside
I never committed intellectual suicide
I never prayed but for myself
He needed more help than love or wealth
It was good then
I didn't know much
I couldn't feel pain
Or pain as such
But pain for pain's sake is the beginning and end
Boredom only after to boredom will lend
I was afraid yes of everything
And anything that said my name
For fear of nothing has fear to blame
Oh but once again
It was good back then
I wanted more and more I got
And with pride and faith and love forgot
Still I went with a bleeding heart
Thinking I should play my part
And be a part of life as an uneasy act
With numbed awareness too dull to react
Feeling nothing but for tomorrow's wake
Nothing there but for tomorrow's sake
And knowing better I know not how
But to be and be me right now
And knowing better later once again
Sighing softly," it was good back then"