I recognise this place
I’m still here
my memory fails me never
it’s impeccable—sure--
past faces and images
in my mind are embedded
present ones I survey
whatever and wherever
I thrive, I endure

none is aware
I’m near
I’m invisible
secrets long-buried
and forgotten
I remember
the delirious joy
  of someone
  the tragic pain
  of another--
  from every life
  I’m inseparable
  (no matter
   none knows
   where I was
    nor why I’m here)
  
    this place
   I recognise
   as I was
   so here I’m still
   I’ve not aged
   I’ve not grown old
   human life is a billion tales
   to be told and retold
  
I’m  software
and hardware too
the record-keeper
the invisible chronicler
the appointed
  but impartial narrator
   ‘tis my destiny
    my duty, my call
    and I never falter


    now I see all
    in this place
    that I knew
    long ago
    though no face
    nor scene
    is as before

    the now
    the present
     is how
     all human life
      is lived-
      the longing
      the anguish-
      the ecstasy
      of loving
       the pain
       of love lost-
       of dreams vanishing
       of hopes perishing
       all the striving
       the waiting
       all the wanting
        but not having
         and desires unfulfilled

       you in the room
       each a mystery
       you talk—in glee
       but something inside
       you are hiding
       (we all have secrets
         which we wish to forget)
         soon enough
        the wine and beer
         has been drunk
          the conversation
           is becoming
          inane and discomforting
          the initial zeal is fading
          (**** those around
            who are smoking and puffing)
        
         the day turns
         into evening
         the bar must be closing
         the musician
         must no longer
          be singing
          ( half-hearted hand-shaking
             the pretending
             the inner murmuring
             ‘  all this big and loud nothing-
                 banal, boring, silly
                 is this living?’)

                All this I had seen
                and heard before….

                 but none of you know
                 I was then there
                 and now am here

I’m not a spy
I’m not a ghost
I’m not a ******
no magician either

I’m the
the sentinel
the watcher
the story-teller

the one immortal

who am I?

my name is Time.