Longing.

There's an old man I know
Who longs for the day when time
Just about stands still
But the warmth of her hand on his skin
Is enough to make what remains
Seem like another lifetime.

There's a young man I know
Who longs to be seen
For all that he has become
And for all that he can be
Despite his failure to find peace within himself
Or purpose to wake up in the morning.

There's a boy I know
Who longs for those days
When he could wander the world endlessly
Without deadlines, budgets or responsibilities
If only by dreaming,
He was able to keep a fire burning inside him.

There's a child I know
Who longs to be held in her arms
Protected unconditionally
From the burden of her expectations.
Innocently unaware that time will not stand still for him
Until it just about does.

There's an old man I know
Who longs to be a child again.