he's changed

he was smart, she says. so smart.
world traveled.
he was loved, and gave love in
return.
he knew everyone, everyone
by name and they in return knew
his.
well respected, liked and admired.

now he sits there, beyond all
that youth, all that once was.
the work done. retirement setting
in.
he sits on the porch and stares
out at the cars going by and
waves.

everything he once was had faded.
the world once so full of color,
vibrant and alive, has turned
to grey. even the children admit
that he's changed.