It sits in hard, smooth splendor

 

There was a face here

 

Once

 

 

 

The wisdom of years and years

 

Shriveled down to a compact plastic

 

There were emotions swimming in irises here

 

Once

 

 

 

The tide of life rushed in and out

 

Forward and back

 

Failure and triumph have entered and fled

 

Sound visited these hollow hills here

 

Once

 

 

 

A dream sprouted and prospered in these coils

 

Another rotted and died

 

A tired mother stroked this hard, white brow

 

Love and forgiveness filled these sockets

 

An air of worry wandered these barren corridors here

 

Once

 

 

 

Rivers forged their way down undiscovered channels

 

Sickness coated this cavity

 

Joy dwelt in corners where

 

Only the wind now roams

 

And nourishment was a frequent visitor

 

Thoughts took shape here in this cave of pale dust

 

Once