the Shadows 2.0

In a little broken town, where the shadows creep,

The dreams of children vanish, into the deep.

A rhyme for growing up, where the streets are cold,

Whispers of a warning, that’s hard to unfold.

Once upon a time in a ragged old place,

Little feet were running, hiding from disgrace.

Walls were peeling paint, and the laughter was thin,

But the sparkle of the world was looking to draw you in.

Boys in the alleys, chasing hollow highs,

Girls stuck dreaming under darkened skies.

With a flicker of hope, they say, "Just one more,"

But one turns to many, and then you’re asking for more.

Oh, don’t you see the light behind the clouds?

When the sparkle fades, and danger sounds.

When hearts turn to scrambled eggs, brains to baked beans,

Life's a puzzle coming apart at the seams.

They promise you fortune in the glitter and grime,

But the gold turns to rust, just wasting your time.

Running from the truth, they find shadows that call,

Trading smiles for sorrow, you’ll stumble and fall.

Chasing the dragons that whisper your name,

But each little hit just ignites the same flame.

Feelings turning plastic, hearts lost in the fray,

Listen close to this nursery, hear what I say.

Oh, don’t you see the light behind the clouds?

When the sparkle fades, and danger sounds.

When hearts turn to scrambled eggs, brains to baked beans,

Life's a puzzle coming apart at the seams.

Now some folks will mock, while others will cheer,

For the paths that you wander, they won't always be clear.

Choose laughter, choose life, let the good times show,

There’s beauty in the struggle, let the heart’s fire grow.

So heed this little rhyme, let it plant a seed,

For the love in your heart is what you truly need.

Growing up is tough, but you don’t have to feel trapped,

You can rise from the ashes, let those old dreams be mapped.