How cruel the first cut
When innocence reels in confusion
As hate plucks the fruit from illusion
Then wonder yields to fear
The sting to first learn
What the concept of trust must have been
As the pain of deception sets in
Then joy yields to despair
Oh the shattered dreams we bear
When so powerless
On a windless sea with sails unfurled
We stand naked before a strange world
Then soul yields to judgment
Wounded by lessons
Thus armed with a cloaked reality
We start our climb back to dignity
Then shame yields to honesty
Oh the shining souls we share
N.N. 4/15/09