Simpler Times

At one time I could multiply
Four-digit numbers by five-
Digit numbers in my head. Could do
Square roots, not perfect,
But exacting to four places
After the decimal. I did it on bets,
Not to show off, more the challenge
Of put-up or shut-up.
The surprise. Faces perking up.
For a moment how far we all imagined
We could reach, extended,
Though for a small moment, just.