Layla

By Andrea Shumovsky

Eyes of an old soul
Search for rest
For something that was left behind
For someone that could not come
Sadness walks before her
Quiets the shouts of others
As they realize the treasures they have
Never being asked to make a choice
Guarded, she prays
The promise of a new life
Will grant her children joy and love
Peace in a world where there doesn't seem to be any
Hot, dry sands of time
Traded for a land of snow and flowing rivers
Can offer hope to the future
But can never replace the past