I wanted to jump into the lake
Though I had no reasonable explanation
Just to shock or make people ask why
But in the end, I lacked dedication
I wanted to say something to that girl
Who looked so sad as she walked by
But found my words lacking sound
And me unable to catch her eye
Sun crosses low in the sky
But with enough heat to warm the air
Except for when clouds cover over
And breeze blows hard across the water
A girl feeds the ducks
Lost in her thoughts but here now comfort
Children run around and drop
Their expensive ice creams on the floor
The colleges discuss their theories
At lunchtime or play ball on the grass
And executives take five from their humdrum jobs
And eat their sandwiches, this morning prepared
Dogs run around leaving their mark
Unaware of any dire consequences
And grannies shuffle along with their shopping
Feeling more secure away from the city
All around, the traffic buzzes
Reminding you where you really are
This man-made paradise is a mere diversion
From what waits when you leave
At least people seem happy here
Or come here to think through some advice
When they leave they can take something with them
A reminder of their happiness found
Sun shines down on me
And I realise I am blessed
With all life’s wonder
And each day’s new test
Clouds that pass by
Casting shadows of doubt and fear
Are soon-forgotten reflections
That never held favour here
Each new step taken forward
Opens up numerous avenues to explore
Each avenue searched in time
Makes more possibilities than ever before
Once so easy to frighten
Once easy to quash my ideas
Now I stand proud and enlightened
With knowledge gained from my years
Brave new beginnings around me
From them, I will not turn
Each little twist of destiny
Leaves a lesson for me to learn
Dark snakes finger your opinions
Now you’ve lost all your control
Flirting with dangerous decisions
Cast black shadows through your soul
Continue on this bleakest road
Distances will set us apart
When soulmate becomes soulless
It tears a wrench in my heart
If memories are for yesterday
Sun shines on all I recall
The darkest moments from my past
I now forget them all