PARADISE

By Rebecca Jordan Cohoon

Ocean Springs MS

Past the skyscrapers and machines,

to freedom mountains and crystal streams,

Past crime and destruction and war,

to wild flowers and air so pure.

Past sickness and disease,

to a dewy rain and soft breeze.

Past never-ending sorrow and pain,

to a clear prairie or a snowy lane.

Past shame and agelong tears,

to a lazy beach where we could spend the years.

Past ridicule, embarrassment and hate,

to whispering winds through a rose garden’s gate.

Past killing, and plaque and suffering,

to calming music that starts your feet shuffling

Past the unbearable grief and darkness,

to floating clouds and their softness.

Past every thing we wish we couldn’t see.

Where, oh, where, could that paradise be?

Past dislike and deceit,

to warm grass prickling bare feet.

Past haters, cheaters, and liars,

to warm coffee and flickering fires.

Past rolling thunder and the insane,

to dancing in the puddles during light rain.

Past broken hearts, and broken dreams,

to sun sets and sunrises and moon beams.

Past abuse, ghettos, and hunger,

to days that make us feel stronger.

Past blistered hands and empty pockets,

to fuzzy slippers and picture filled lockets.

Past an impossible world full of disaster,

to a party full of joy and laughter.

Past cruel, spiteful, venomous death,

to eternal, serene, fulfilling breath.

Past everything we wish we couldn’t see.

Where, oh, where, could that paradise be?

Return to Contest Winners