The sands of time do slip away

Gather about you young ones,
And keep quite those hastening tongues.
Heed the words they tell,
For those who have not fell,
Of nights blacker than some fading abyss,
And of days laced with eternity that time seemed amiss.
Before the stars shone frightened,
And  in days that the grasses were much enlightened.
When their skin seemed the porcelain glass
Like those painted China dolls dressed in regal wraps,
And garnet lips stood out for show,
Like blood upon soft powdered snow.
Retreat to your thoughts and relish in the times
When lakes shone such luxurious rhymes,
Mirroring the sun set skies in two,
So we were swimming amongst the gilded dew.
Recall the ancient trees that grew
Far up to the heavens and sheltered you.
Think back to the days flowers’ petals were bright,
Like God himself graced them with His holy light.
Remember the patter of the falling rain
And counting each drop they thought an insignificant game,
When dainty cups filled with sweetened tea
Graced your antique tables you treasured with glee.
Open the tomb of your fading memory
Before you leave with that lessening clarity.
Do not forget these things that they have told.
You’ll come to understand once you are wiser and old.