When I Was Young

In today's world, with soaring fuel prices, increased environmental disasters and rising climate temperatures, it's reassuring to know we still have the ability to experience and enjoy the simplicity and solitude of nature. Whether it's a walk in the local park or a family camping outing, the opportunity is available.

The lyrics of this story were created years before the Exxon Valdez tanker oil spill on the Prince William Sound off the Alaskan coast and our latest environmental catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico now impacting the Southern coastline. Although, for the average person, it seems impossible to negate large tragedies of this magnitude, we can however become positive role models starting at home as parents and educators, setting examples, teaching responsible conservation, while pointing out improper behaviors. Everyone knows that one neighbor idling his or her car for minutes before work to have that instant warm ride to work, or has followed behind the person who throws his fast food bag out of the car window instead of placing it in a proper trash bin. The human race, finally recognizing the delicate balance between coexisting and devastating our natural surrounding, is acknowledging and take some responsibility for the negative impact current civilization has caused the environment. The story is told through the eyes of a person revisiting past childhood adventures. Starting with a short story, he introduces his character to the reader and then the reader proceeds to visit all four seasons with him as he shares favorite times along life's journey.