Innocence Lost

An auburn haired child Hopeful eyes still twinkle brightly Though devoid of the innocence This world's heartlessness has stolen Like a petty criminal does Only fingerprints where once was value Mankinds realities revealed too soon To a young mind and soul Not yet ready for this ugliness Where once lived dreams and playfulness Now resides pain, unrest and worry Where trust, understanding and love once ruled Fear, uncertainty, and despair now dominate So young, much too young To view our world without blinders Search inside our hearts for clues Dig deep into the dark recesses of our minds Can we find any rhyme or reason Dare we risk a guess or excuse To explain our tragic failures to our children?