Before I knew

BEFORE I KNEW

As a child I sought only to laugh and play,
to have as much fun as could be had in a day.
Then grew older and sent to school,
told I must learn or life would be cruel.
Though most of the problems I saw all around,
the answers at school weren't to be found.
A world of trouble, nothing right and true,
but then it was,before I knew.

Cast into life where only the strong survive,
good seems to die and bad stays alive.
If success is measured by things acquired,
what of better profit is found or desired?
Why of all things we may seek to own,
is that of more value so little known?
In people and peoples my interest grew,
Still again it was,before I knew.

So many years now have I seen come and go,
haunted by hope of things needed to know.
No longer for myself but children mine and yours,
for hope of a far better place to grow and explore.
But truly if better is ever to be,
on what truly matters most,all must agree.
So pray that our end is knowing what to do,
for tragedy always came well before I knew.