Ray-ban shades, reflective lenses I recall
The darkened rims, rounded & small
Hands in pockets, head looking down
Past the station & then the shopping mall

Looked from the ground & peered from my hood
Thought I recognised a man from the way he stood
I knew that face but from where I couldn’t recall
I gave him a friendly smirk, the best that I could

"I saw the shadow of my former self the other day
Wandering aimlessly down the street
He looked over at me & gave me that smirk
But I looked away before our eyes could meet"

"I saw the shadow of myself only yesterday
Walking arrogantly along the street
He looked over at me & gave me that grin
But I turned away & made a quick retreat"

Combat trousers, hanging off the hip
Black t-shirt, no logo, just a small rip
Dragging my feet, with perfected swagger
Nothing on my shoulder, just the usual chip

Looked up from the floor & focused ahead
Thought I recognised a man, with the shaven head
I’d seen him before, just not sure from where
Then he’d gone, must’ve been someone else instead

Was that really me?
Do I look like that?
When did I grow old?
When did I change?
I look ill, drawn & pale
No wonder I hide under that hood-like veil