Lost Boys

They say to put childish things away
we are too old
to look back
we are told
For years we strive to appear older
than we really are
to be respected
accepted
and credible.
Only to realize what we've left behind
once it is too late to go back
Responsibility has woven its way into
the very fibers of our being
while risk has woven its way out
taking carelessness and adventure with it
They say to put childish things away
and live vicariously instead
while we sit patiently by the window sill
awaiting Peter Pan's return

Expectations

We are on a first name basis
with our failures and regrets.
They send postcards
and always remember our birthdays.
They are quick to remind us
that the world will still turn.
Time marches on
while dreams cheapen the present.
It is only when we stop to think
that we become discouraged.

They say no man is an island

they say no man is an island
merely a prisoner of the land
yearning for the freedom of the sea
but shackled by the roots of redwoods

they say no man is an island
merely a prisoner of time
yearning for the freedom of solace
but shackled by the hands of clocks

they say no man is an island
merely a prisoner of expectations
yearning for the freedom of expression
but shackled by the handshakes of politics

they say no man is an island
merely a prisoner of success
yearning for the freedom of passion
but shackled by collars of career

they say no man is an island
and I believe that is why he is sad.