By: Andy Xu

Glittering oceans, a shining sun,

Palm trees swaying in the wind.

Gentle, graceful fingers,

Clutch grains of sand

A king living in my own land . . . freedom

Towers rise,

Walls built

A snaking moat ensnares my kingdom

My name is called,

and I must leave my beloved domain

Running, jumping, a grin on my face

Heart pounding, eyes wide open,

I return to . . .

Nothing more but

Shattered sand