In the waters of joy

youth wades euphorically

believing the gift of time

is theirs alone

upon white sandy dunes of tranquility

they walk clothed in self-possessed attire

no alarms have yet signaled

their time of embryonic protection

will ebb like the tide's fall

with friends they engage

in light mischief

unexpectedly, without a whisper of warning

the hand of time descends

upon the suck lings of frivolity

in a calamitous moment

shattering the fragile shells

of youthful innocence

with the harhsness of reality's rapier

their cocoons of security are lost

to a world that was fool hardy and light

swiftly dashed into obscurity

thoughts race, why now

feverishly they seek answers

that continually elude them

in a game of hide and seek

where is that place of security

that refuge away from confusion

the sunshine still warms their skin

flowers still scent the air in elegant hues

and the wind rustles through the trees

will this be forever

they must flee, abandoning childish beliefs

and face the place where reality

stands firmly at their sides

where youthful exuberance

is no longer their noble ally

in a precarious balance

those of troubled spirit

will find only closed doors

and apathy