Reflections

Where is the joy of childhood? An Oriental Poetry Entry (Form: Pathya Vat)

Reflections

A vagrant thought,
a moment’s pause,
and through the gauze
of time I see
a laughing child.
A memory
that once was me.
Is he still there?
I turn and see
a mirror there.
I stop and stare
into my eyes.
I search and find
a hidden prize
beneath the guise
of time’s cruel blight.
A silly smile,
a distant light,
a twinkle, bright
with childish joy.
I’m reassured
that long lost boy
is my envoy
time can’t suppress.
I turn away,
I must confess,
with jauntiness
in each new step.

An entry for Round 87 of "Invalid Item" 
Prompt: Open
Form: Pathya Vat  
Line Count: 28