Once a boy was I
Not this fate’s fall guy
Was as new as a dream
Not this splintered esteem
Of a man who yearns to die
Once a boy was I!

Once a boy was I
Not this wise man’s white lie
Was my creed all but sham
Not this frenzied man damn!
Once bitten, twice shy
Once a boy was I!

Once a boy was I
Apple of someone’s eye
Not this cherry-picker’s pick
Plucked berry, cherished the prick
Not this island, high and dry
Once a boy was I

Once a boy was I
A kite flying high
Not this forlorn abyss
Was that soul of bliss
Not this sin sworn by
Once a boy was I!

© 2016 Vikas Chandra