Loss of Innocence

As I listen

To laughter

Echoing across the meadow

I remember

Wide-eyed adoration of

Saviors of broken toys,

Whispered giggles when

‘Prince Charming’ passes by,

Naïve yet trusting belief,

In Santa and the Tooth Fairy,

Confident in the good

Of every heart,

Laughter

Echoing through the light.

But no longer.

Only hurt when

Those saviors break their word,

Only anger when that

‘Prince Charming’ two-times you,

Only suspicion

Of the too-good-to-be trues,

Only jaded sighs

Echoing through the night