The Old Guitar s Lament

I took my old guitar down from the wall, 
Dusted the past and tuned each trembling string 
I’ll sing for you of life - of rise and fall, 
Of all the years the winds have ceased to bring 

When I was young, the world was wild and bright, 
A rushing stream where joy would never cease 
Now time just kicks me stumbling through the night - 
But still, I rise. I’ll find my fleeting peace 

When gold was plenty, friends would crowd my door, 
Laughing loud and clinking glasses dry 
Now work is gone, the shelves are bare once more, 
And not a pub will pour me one goodbye 

The guitar weeps for days it used to know, 
Its ringing notes once never left my hand 
Now silence lingers, soft and sad and slow - 
Who heard its last song? Do they understand? 

My music hums a melancholy tune, 
Even my old dog howls along in grief 
“It’s fine,” I lie beneath the waning moon - 
She’s just a ghost now. Love’s a faded leaf 

Maybe this weekend, I’ll go to town, 
Find the bar where old friends used to be 
We’ll raise a toast before the sun goes down - 
If health allows one last wild spree. 

The guitar cries for what we left behind, 
The guitar mourns the days we can’t reclaim 
But time flows on, relentless and unkind - 
So I’ll sing now of love, not loss or blame 

Of beauty, laughter, children bright and free, 
Of peace that cradles every weary land 
Of careless youth - oh, let the melody 
Ring for the dreams we held when life was grand