These are the words an old man

said to me

“I was once young, so vibrant

and so free!

A time when trust was glibly

spoken of,

In terms of confidence, consistency

and love, 

No computers that were

ever needed,

Promises well- kept

and not unheeded;

The things I did were

of simplicity –

No schemes, nor scams

and no complicity;

No fear of losing

my identity

By some unheard-off,

strange nonentity.

There was a time when faith

and its conception

Had steered away from falsehood

and deception;

Machines that added

numbers, absolute,

Gramophones and radios,

oh, so cute!

Typwriters that turned out

many scripts,

When authors typed

intriguing manuscripts;

When colored movies triggered

so much praise;

A motorcar engendered

such a craze!

When homes were purchased

with no frills at all,

And honesty would sound

its clarion call!

Costs of living, never

out of line,

And God above

exclusively divine!

There was a time contentment

was superb;

No fear to hold us hostage

and to curb

Freedom of movement all

around the world;

The flag of liberty, oh,

so well-unfurled.”

The old man wiped his brow

and sadly frowned,

Turning his wheelchair

expertly around.