The Years Between

He'd refuse to play when the finish line was crossed,

A child who couldn't bear the thought of what was lost.
Today, he loses something every hour,
And learns to smile to keep his fading power.

He'd scream and fight, a small and fragile thing,
Afraid of all the pain a needle sting would bring.
Today, no pain is felt, no fear of steel,
Just a cold report that tells him how to feel.

He'd wait for his favorite meal, a joyful treat,
Twice a week, a simple pleasure he would meet.
Now, just two dishes fill his weekly plan on repeat,
A lonely lesson he must learn to eat.

His name was known, the pride of all his friends,
A flawless story where the glory never ends.
Now all his friends don't know where he has gone,
He's searching for the man he should have been, alone.