The Land Of Imagination Poem by J Patrick Murphy

Imagination welcomes you!
A land where all your dreams come true.
Although it's such a wondrous place
The ones that stay here long are few.

While you are young, you'll all dwell here
From early morning until night.
You'll never wish to leave a place
So full of colorful delight.

If you want, you can transform this place:
Into a mountain! Jungle! Beach!
Nothing that your mind creates
Is outside of your reach.

Girls and boys, with sword and shield,
You will adventure 'cross the plain.
And because of your great bravery
Every dragon will be slain!

Many girls, you'll wear a crown
And ride a flying unicorn.
All who pass you by will say:
'Oh! What beauty she adorns! '

Do you want to be a baseball star?
You can! Just try, it's true!
Your team will win the All-Star game,
And the MVP is you!

But for most of you there comes a time,
When all the colors fade away.
Well that's not altogether true,
For the color gold: it stays.

When that time comes, I'll sit you down
Your youth I'll seek to renew.
But when you still refuse to change
Here is what I will say to you:

'I'm sorry child, it's sad to see
You take such a dreadful turn.
Now from this land, you must depart,
And you can ne'er again return.

The place that you are going to
Is dark and damp and grey.
But the saddest part about that land
Is that it's the same thing ev'ry day.

It's sad but true, I tell you:
That is the hefty price of gold.
Because you let it grab your gaze,
You gave up your youthful soul! '

So once again, I welcome you.
You will enjoy your stay.
And now my speech is over,
It's time to go outside and play!