Gone Bys

When I think of all the excellences that have gone by
all in which I have never participated
it is a bit saddening

To waltz, a grand waltz
in a grand ballroom
with a grand dame of
refinement and grace

to travel by train
to exotic outposts of civilization
still adventurous enough to
instill intrigue and romance

           to hear the big bands
                   pumping
                      -live-
    big beats and shimmering horns
throughout my sympathetic nervous system
                      -nightly-
          inducing body rhythms
     of a fluent and freeing nature

to mingle with the intelligentsia
    - Vienna, 1905, perhaps -
    mind blowing headiness
an intoxicant to potent for me
but I'd risk a world class hangover 
being  a simple fly on the wall
in this palace of brilliant visionaries

      to join a revolution for freedom
       from oppression and tyranny
             mind body and soul
                      - wait ! -
         I still can participate in this
            this is still happening
this is something bigger, much bigger, than
mere trophy seeking self gratification
      this shall not pass me by again

    herein lies the grandest excellence !