The Forest Where We Played

This is the place we used to play
Under the canopy of the forest green
It seemed so endless when we were kids
As we played beneath the trees

Basking in the spots the sun shined through
Or hiding behind the grand old oaks
We’d laugh and play and carry on
Until at last the sun had set

Then we’d run back home laughing aloud
As we raced each other to the steps
I’d always win but still you’d try
Because I wouldn’t leave you far behind

Every day we’d go again
And dance and laugh beneath the green
Leaving all the world behind
Except the moments in our secret place

Our parents would warn us as we ran
To be careful in those woods
And to keep our wits about us
When we played out there by ourselves

We’d just nod and keep on running
Paying no mind to what they said
And listen to the birds’ sweet songs
In the twilight of our youth

We spent our time there when we could
Every second more precious than the last
Growing older every day
But wisdom came in darker form

As if it was this very day
I remember how you left this world
Just like before we went out there
Though not just for playing anymore

We had gotten older, a bit complacent
Nothing wrong came from these old woods
But that cold day changed my thoughts for good
When the beastly men took your life away

These men in cloaks of midnight black
With bits of silver shining through
Came upon us from the shadows
And knocked you to the ground

I tried to fight though it was in vain
It was the first time here we saw it rain
The drops were not of water though
Your essence was what began to fall

The bright red fluid came flowing out
As if a river had been made
But then my sight began to fade
And all was quiet once again

Serenity had come
To here
Once more