Once

Once, I was a small boy

untried, weak, unknowing

with so many possibilities

and time passed slowly

hardly aware was I

that I was growing.

*

Once, I was an older boy

taller, stronger, impatient

knowledge seemed so slow in coming

sometimes I thought I knew

and I hardly knew

what I was knowing.

*

Once, I was an adolescent

on the threshold wanting to leave

feeling I shouldn't

knowing too I couldn't stay

some wiser one outside myself

understanding, pointed me

and I hardly knew

that I was leaving.

*

Once, I set out for a place far off

was welcomed on arriving

from those encouragements I drew

learning, growing and fulfilling

a time of satisfying enrichment found

and I hardly knew

that I was still growing.

*

Now, I'm older and somewhat wiser

more round and more self-assured

paths trod and things accomplished

thankful now for what I know

yet wondering...

where I've still to go

what I've still to know

why I needs must know...

*

Dennis Crompton © 1996