Unrequited Dreams

Once more, treading the boulevard of dreams
Only the sun's glint on the corroded surface gleams
Shangri La's gate no longer in the distance beams
Steamy, foggy haze around each mile marker streams
Grand plans, lofty designs are buried deep in impermeable seams
Over once-solid foundation, thinly-veiled paper reams
But bleary-eyed traveler not only his final destination deems
Sullied road with visions of grandeur, hauteur challenges teems
Once strapping lad, gilded the horizon with fairy tail themes
As fantasizing teen, the world's bounty covetous eyes did esteem
Becoming young adult, with self-patented talents did scheme
Now in ripe old age, seeking only striding memories to redeem
Looking back, the shiny, smooth road no longer appealing seems
From the rough, re-finished surface, golden dreams no longer scream