once on life’s path trod passing by here one day knowing not of lost fallen by the way pathway half hidden overgrown by green footprints are faded weathered away half wrapped in leather so cracked and dry fastener that broke so long ago slowly does metal once shiny and bright canker’s of rust grow till all passes away memories of yesterday and of tomorrow’s plans now are forgotten lost along the way droplets fallen like bitter tears words distorted like memories cold wind tears at pages bleached by hot light of sun in burning days animals that burrow and birds in the spring have torn at the pages carrying away some days bring sunlight others bring storm dust in the wind blown and snow buries all in white by pathway half hidden now lost and fading away plans for tomorrow and memories of yesterday