Am I Another Prufrock?

James Watson *

I also measure my life by tablespoons

I put off decisions after decisions

I also walk through streets with insidious intend

I have also strolled down golden beaches

Countless number of times and tirelessly

In my efforts to catch the mermaids singing

Day after day amid short bouts of inspiration

Have I tried to put that overwhelming question

I have seen her a million times

I have known her for a billion years

I have talked to her a trillion times

And I have loved her from 5 years before the flood

Now I have grey hair and autumn's its uninvited guest

I have antediluvian gums that hold no teeth anymore

Thank god! I still have eyes though not too young

My steps are small and my limbs are stiff

My tongue wags though my voice's a treble

Is it time or should I wait longer?

Oh! How do if put that overwhelming question?

Tell her not to look at me like that

Tell her not to give me those enchanted smiles

Please tell her to stop tormenting me

Oh! She's killing me though softly and slowly

Oh! Please tell her to teach me instead

How to put that overwhelming question.

I waste my days and my joyous moments

I waste my play times and my study hours

The sun and his tolls are no concern to me

And my conscience, I pay deaf ear to me

So great is this beautiful lady

A magic charm, maybe she owns

So much have I wasted in her thought,

And in my effort to put that overwhelming question.