Deferred Dreams

In a remote and neglected corner , this box lay broken and dusty ,

Its latch was stiff from lack of use , the metal tarnished and rusty .

Memories glimmered through a grimy haze as the lid was pried apart , 

To the forefront rushed the memories that lay buried in her heart .

Bits of dreams lay lay broken inside 

They had been deferred for later .

Hers was a life that promised much 

But another’s need was always greater ..

The light that had the prospect of shine 

Lay ithere in decline , feeble and dim 

So much water had flowed under the bridge 

It had doused the spark within .

Could she now brush the cobwebs away ,

Rediscover what might have been 

Or would her strength remain vanquished

her talents always unseen .