Faded memories of warm summer days on the beach:

Sunburns, burning sand between our toes, and ocean water chilling us to the bone;

Strolls with the goldens through the towering trees lining the path,

Shady and cool and birdsong from up above,

Huddled around the campfire at dusk,

Songs and stories and laughter and happiness;

Long rides on the boat,

Wind in our hair, ocean spray in our faces, jumping off into the water;

Picnics with ice cold lemonade on the beach,

Warm chocolate muffins in the morning,

Homemade recipes,

Burning marshmallows,

And fresh, juicy watermelon dripping down our chins.

Not a care in the world.

A whole island paradise just for us,

A place to escape each summer, a place to feel loved,

All viewed through false eyes:

Joyful summer memories lost and long gone, the love drained out years ago,

Replaced by false emotion.

The harsh reality of lies and greed and hatefulness concealed by rose-tinted glasses that hid the truth for so long,

Now up in flames.

The burning truth is raw and bare and reveals all that was covered,

Exposing the true colors that were there all along.