~No Matter What Happens~

I remember a time when each day was long,

When the world was a playground and my life a song,

And I fluttered through years with barely a care,

Ignoring the future and what waited there.

School was intriguing and filled with delights.

I played away daytimes and dreamed away nights.

My parents assured me I had nothing to fear,

And that no matter what happened, they'd always be there.

Little I knew of a world outside home,

Where tragedy, sorrow and murder could roam.

All I saw were blue skies, rainbows and stars.

I looked past destruction of buildings and cars.

As a child, my biggest concern was just me;

I had to be happy, I had to be free.

And if I was content, I would not shed a tear,

And no matter what happened, I still would be here.

But as I grow up, darkness starts to set in;

My bright world has turned into concrete and tin.

I now see the violence I looked past before;

My friends start to die and my heart hits the floor.

Deadly diseases claim people I love,

There are landfills below me, pollution above.

I often think back to when life was a game.

But no matter what happens, it can't be the same.

There are days when I just want to break down and howl,

To give up completely, to throw in the towel,

But I hold my head high and I push my way through.

I have too much to give and so much to do.

And I make a vow that, though it'll be hard,

I'll go on with a smile and play every card.

I'll give all I can, help others and love.

No matter what happens, life will bloom again,

And the strength I don't have will come from above.

So come, take my hand, and through darkness we will sail-

If we all join together, we never can fail.

We'll remember to care, remember to feel,

And no matter what happens, our world we will heal.

~By Alison Mary Forbes~

~Submitted by Barry Weber~

from Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II

Copyright 1998 by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen

and Kimberly Kirberger

Life is like a path of driven snow

Be careful how you tread it,

for every mark will show.

~Author Unknown~

~Thank You Kate~