how I long for the return of youthful innocence
the times of living for the sheer joy of it all
of not having a care in the world
those days have gone
flashed by leaving only streaks of memory to hold on to
then we are thrust into a complicated life
reality, but we miss the fantasy
and fantasy was reality then
before we're thrown into the confusion, not much was expected of us
once we're expected to learn a trade, shove off, and make a living, it's over
the innocence is lost
even love takes away our innocence
we spend less time with friends and lose ties
before we know it, it's gone
we will never think the same way
we try to hold on, but it hurts
and true innocence must be imagined or reminisced
I'm not ready to let go
the innocent know what's really important
friendship, non-judgement, and having a good time
somewhere along the line, the importance of these are lost
take a step back and look at where you are
are these values a major part of your life?
if not, do something about it
do something you enjoy for a living
spend more time with your friends
look at the world through innocent eyes
fantasy can become reality
and the past can become the return of youthful innocence
we can be truly happy again

written 1/16/98
©1998 Matt Henderson 4/21/76