Was And Will Be

I met a curious child
Full of energy, dreams
Told him to hold on
To youth

I met a sequestered adolescent
Full of pain, anger
Told him to hold on
To his hope

I met a diligent adult
Full of responsibility, work
Told him to hold on
To the time

I met a tired old man
Full of age, years
Told him to hold on
To forgotten memories

I met myself in the mirror
Empty of desire to see the future
Told him to let go
Of what he was and will be