the child sat

the child sat on
her mother's knee
and asked what
happened to  her
family.
the mother explained
that there used to
be animals here
back in the time
that the sun shined,
clear.
there used to be waters
fresh to swim.
before the world
grew quiet
and grim.
mountains so high
deserts of sands
lush tropical paradises
the child did not understand.
she asked how did it all
end up this way.
her mother answered
life left

when the
people gave up and
turned away.