I walk towards the river and gentle tree,
But I stop when I feel an odd shiver.
Where were the singing birds and stinging bees?

Even the fish were gone, maybe to sea.
I don’t understand. How did this occur?
I have skipped to this place since I was three.

I even came here once for afternoon tea,
But now everything wanted to transfer
And leave me and my forsaken thoughts be.

The river has lost its sparkling beauty,
And now the lush tree has no way to cheer.
Even the atmosphere screams silently.

I came back here to be young, glad, and free,
But with time and pain, I can quite assure
You the joyousness and good times will flee.

Sadly, I have lost my river and tree.
All I want is happiness forever
And to be young and certainly pretty.
But time has hidden the desired key.

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SARA ROLLINS is a freshman pursuing a Baccalaureate degree (currently Undeclared). Sara’s hobbies range from playing violin to baking to taking photography to, of course, writing (both creative and musical pieces!). She’s been writing stories and poems for about seven years now, all thanks to her creative imagination!