Way Back When

Simplicity and bliss, ease and peace
Way back when, when there wasn’t much before,
Before I knew I was a pawn, a piece
Of a puzzle, broken and forlorn.

From this master plan I wish to be torn,
Free and wild, unhampered like a child,
Unburdened by knowledge scorned and vows sworn,
Destined to be forgotten or reviled.

Way back when, before expectations styled
Me into a cynic wary of the future.
Way back when before I filed
All opportunities away as another chore.

Better days have passed away,
But here I remain held in nostalgia’s sway.