Misspent Youth

Misspent youth
Not sniffing glue,
But reading about how others do.

Misspent youth
No sleepless nights,
Creeping around to scare the life
Out of neighbours; favours, all returned
To parents, who knew I was safe and sound.

Misspent youth;
A criminal record
Collection; the grave where loyalties lie.

Misspent youth.
Awkward fumbles
Beneath a blouse and stripy tie;
Not locked behind the bike-shed; here,
To shame and shun: the greatest fear.

Misspent youth,
No heavy hand
Upon a scarred left shoulder.

Misspent youth,
No battle scars
To glance upon and savour.

Dominic Burgess