Time--such a wicked *****
teasing you with possibilities,
allowing you a taste as she
denies you a seat at life's buffet.

She devours your childhood,
leaving only crumbs of
birthday cakes and brownies
on a disposable plate of memories.

She lets you dream in your youth
just so that you can morn their loss
while she slowly nibbles at your potential
until you’re left with only what could have been.

She decays your body,
savoring each agonizing moment
as you become just a shadow
of what you once where.

She laughs her devious laugh
as you weep while loved one pass,
those that have escaped her cruel caress
but she lingers to savor your mourning.

Finally, she takes your vitality
turning the simple things in life to pain
just so she can mock your frailty
and dance at your upcoming dirge.

Then in the end--she isn't finished yet
for she'll sit by your deathbed
savoring your last moments
as you sip from the cup of regret.

When she finally walks out on you
she'll wink a tick, blow a kiss in a tock
yet, with your final breath
you'll beg and grasp for her to stay.

But like the ***** she is
she'll will be gone.

Joey Jones