In Memory of Innocence Lost

In Memory of Innocence Lost

Long years ago and far away
A child used to run and play
Chasing butterflies in the sun
From morning till the day was done

Then he discovered life was cruel
And anger was the only fuel
Beatings for things never known
Reaping grains he had not sown

Leaving home at an early age
Life in turmoil filled with rage
In terror running from shadows seen
Surviving in streets and fields of green

Thinking life was only other’s greed
Yet finding good when most in need
Then love grew, begat a child
From a man that once was wild

But love fled and child was gone
Once more lost; he was alone
Innocence shattered with the mind
Stumbling through darkness for a time

A flicker; a soft candle’s glow
Slowly again he began to grow
Reaching for the flickering light
Stretching upward with all his might

Slowly the man grew and trusted
Love polished a heart once rusted
Tarnished memories began to fade
As she begat light beneath his shade

Seeds became life and life grew tall
Family begat family from seeds so small
Summer thawed the winter’s frost
Replacing memories of innocence lost