The Oasis in Life And Times

It was once a soothing, calm, and beautiful place

A shield from the ills of the world, a quiet comforting space

In an otherwise desolate wasteland, it offered comfort and nourishment from the elements

Being wrapped in it's embrace, no matter how long, was always time well spent 

Within its confines, there's an inherent safety, offering protection in its own special way

Let all your fears vanish, as the imagination comes out to play

Get lost in thought and desire there, share all one's hopes and dreams 

Maybe delve into some secrets and mysteries, become lost in all that it seems

The magic of the oasis disappeared, giving way to discontent

From a dazzling spectacle of wonder and brilliant light

Array of color soon eroded, to the nothingness of black and white 

Now the oasis is hidden behind a wall of brick and promises broken

A fire burns uncontrollably behind its barrier, the intent behind it unspoken

A fortress hastily constructed, with walls that are now too high to overcome

The key I have no longer works, can any of this ever be undone

Pounding on the walls has failed, yelling to the top hasn't worked

Why did this have to dry up, leaving me in pain and a world of hurt

Was this a figment of my own creation, were any of these feelings ever real

Now groping sand with hands of bone, hugging air with fervor and zeal

Did the oasis bend and refract light, distort everything I thought I saw 

Was it a safety net, maybe a sinkhole, or anything at all

Whatever it was, these eyes did not see it clearly

Regardless of shape and form, this heart misses it dearly

Alas, the oasis is no more, it died a sudden and painful death

Now an unwanted intruder, after once being a welcome guest

Time to strap up the old backpack and journey towards other endeavors 

Can't stay here anymore and reminisce about an imaginary forever

No point in wondering why one would play a game they could never win

Maybe the heart will let it all go and perhaps stop wondering what might have been