The Paradise Lost

the Water running beneath
the creaking, rotten planks
calls me back; in Memories

my Brothers and I would sneak
past apathetic eyes
to the small, strained creek
in our Paradise

though it seemed small
from the outside, to us
these Woods were massive
a Home away from home
a Land to call our own
somewhere we could do
whatever, however, whenever
in our Paradise

planning the Underground fortress
filled our Hearts with joy
only to see it dwindle
as our young hands blistered
and stolen shovels broke
after only a few hours
in our Paradise

we played like most boys would
swinging from tree ropes
over that quiet, little Stream
knowing if we Slipped
or if the Rope broke
the water wasn’t Deep enough
to keep us from any Harm
in our Paradise

setting up our Flagged bases
choosing which Brother would Lead
and the others who’d follow—
which were cunning enough
to infiltrate the opposing base
and steal the coveted flag
in our Paradise

Once, I broke the Oath
brought my Beloved under
the Boughs of our sacred Home
that Fateful day the Fire came
threatening all we’d held dear
but her Boldness stamped the flame
and so she saved everything
in our Paradise

I went back after all these Years
wondering what became of It
now that None of them are here
tear-filled eyes gazed upon
chain linked fences surrounding
the overgrown woods, barring my way
to our Paradise

there’s too much distance
as my fingers rest in the links
for me to now see within
those hallowed forest trees
I mourn for my childhood memories
and how now future generations
will never know the way
to our Paradise