I took a train and headed west

All these people
were young once.

Not afraid to look you
in the eyes,
screaming, laughing,
polka dots and ribbon curls.
Play ball, ask questions,
cannonball, splash zone
learn life, delve into the unknown.

Now
they are old,
and cockeyed.
Crossword puzzles on the
bus ride home,
pay bills,
greyed out,
balding, decayed,
classic rock tshirts and
acid washed jeans.
one hand in your pocket
on your pepper spray.
Borrow a cell phone
just for a local call, man,
there is no unknown.