Remember (for Lenore)

I remember a time 
not so long ago 
when the best meant
the best and not 
the least of the 
worst or the better 
liked but the brightest 
I remember when winning 
was the first to
cross the finish line 
and not the one 
who survived the assault 
from one’s own opponents 
I remember a time 
when being smart and 
intelligent and moral and 
oh so most important 
kind 
gave a person aspirations 
and hopes and dreams 
but now what now 
now that nothing counts