Regret (inspired by dystopian fiction)

Tell me how to live

When it's safe to open my eyes

If the sun has escaped the cloudy skies

And shines once more on the heartland

Where the shadows won't stay still

Where the fences keep the savage out

And keep the ignorant from getting out

The trees and houses all look the same

The roads and children have no names

And wandering water is wondered at

In the heartland, where the night creeps in solemnly

It's face all blackened by debris

There are no stars anymore

They have all been burnt away

By crude, stinking smoke and decay

The day, more or less grey

And faces, often pale

And restless feet on tired legs

Too old to move, too young to sleep

Souls that yearn to be released

To beyond, but dark awaits

Never knowing another fate.