Engage! Engage!

It Will Be

I used to think

every action

each encounter

any conversation

would repeat 

sometime

somewhere

surely

Youthful naivety

worn like a shroud

Surely became

maybe

or... likely

the thinning shroud

of mid-life

But time

does not heed

snooze buttons

and pressing pause

is impossible

So now

I don't think.

I know.

every action

each encounter

any conversation

could be the last

as my shroud 

in near tatters

warns

Could 

has turned to...will

when every action

each encounter

any conversation

will be remembered

as the last

by someone

not me

The threads of the shroud

hover, cloud-like

beneath my feet

carrying me now

constant reminders

Engage!

Engage!

they cry

in every action

each encounter

any conversation

Like it will be

the last.