An Unsolved Crime

I wouldn’t have normally sought your advice,
I don’t even have any proof,
But while I was otherwise occupied - –
Someone made off with my youth.

I know it was here just yesterday,
It’s come as a bit of a shock.
I haven’t got everything out of it yet –
There were plenty of miles on the clock.

I just turned my back for a moment or two
To deal with more ‘serious’ topics.
I thought it was safe in the back of my mind –
How could I have been so myopic?

There were hundreds of uses I had for the thing,
And I hadn’t got round to them all,
But now I suppose I’ll just manage without -
So my life has slowed down to a crawl.

I wanted it for its unceasing abundance
Of energy, zest and amazement
To help put the colour back into my world
That’s growing as drab as the pavement.

I’ve searched all around in the junkyard of dreams
And I think I’ve discovered a clue –
Some half-buried memories of long-ago days –
‘A la rechercher du temps perdu’.

It couldn’t be much use without supervision,
I can’t think who else would have wanted it,–
But somebody somewhere took off with my youth - –
I suppose that I shouldn’t have flaunted it.

© Elwood Herring 9-2-2000