Fickle Innocence

The dull leaves flicker on the willow tree
They shiver and shake as I grow near
The glass lake ripples with every mistake
The blades of grass all drab and drear appear

This glade, the haven of my youth
Has in my absence learned to despise
It echoes every step I take
It mocks all my old cares and lies

It used to be, when I was young
That leaves would sparkle, twirl and spin
The lake would wave, but never break
The grass would bend, but not give in

Now all is brittle, old, subdued
Much time has passed and dark grows near
Nothing I do can stop time's flow
But I alone harness my fear

It's all too late, I can't undo
My sins, my crimes, my damning thoughts
But when death comes I won't seek salvation;
My innocence is gone, but never will my dignity be lost