By Beryl Comar

I remember a time when each day was long,
When the world was my playground and my life was a song,
I fluttered through the years with barely a care,
Ignorant of the future and what waited there.

School was intriguing and filled with delights.
I played away daytimes and dreamed away nights.
My parents assured me I had nothing to fear,
no matter what happened, they'd always be here.

Little I knew of a world outside home,
Where tragedy, sorrow and murder could roam.
I saw only blue skies, rainbows and stars.
I looked past the destruction of buildings and cars.

As a child, my main concern was just me;
I had to be happy, I had to be free.
If I was content, I would not shed a tear,
no matter what happened, I would still be here.

But as I grow up, darkness starts to set in;
My bright world has turned into concrete and tin.
I now see the violence I looked past before;
Friends start to die and my heart hits the floor.

Deadly diseases claim people I love,
There are landfills below me, pollution above.
I often think back to when life was a game.
But no matter what happens, it can't be the same.

There are days when I just want to break down and howl,
To give up completely, to throw in the towel,
But I hold my head high and I push my way through.
I have so much to give and so much to do.

And I make a vow that, though it'll be hard,
I'll go on with a smile and play every card.
I'll give all I can, help others with love.
No matter what happens, I'll not lose my resolve.

So come, take my hand, and through darkness we'll sail
If we all join together, we will prevail.
Remember to care, remember to feel,
And no matter what happens, our world we must heal.

Return to Beryl's Treasures Home Page           Return to NFNLP Home Page