Innocence: A Poem

For so long I lived through a simpler time--
A time when a young couple couldn't be left alone together,
A time when children were free to laugh and play together,
A time I thought would live on forever,
But then something horrible happened.


Far away from the shores of Avonlea, a terrible war began.
All of us who were boys long ago became young men summoned to join the cause.
I watched many of my friends
Become wounded and, at times, saw them die.
Eventually, enough became enough, and I returned home.


Now I have a sense of longing.
I long for things to be the way they were.
I long to rediscover my identity and sense of purpose,
And to regain the innocence I lost.
The only question is...when?





For the French version of this poem, click here.