In a world of 

violence and turmoil, 

diseases and pandemics, 

poverty and hunger, 

lies and deception, 

everywhere we look. 

We must look back, 

not just to our past selves, 

but also to the selves of the people that we call family. 

We must seek out our roots, 

wherever that may be, 

thick pine forests, 

to flowing golden sand. 

From mountains where clouds meet the earth, 

and cities of never-ending light. 

We must never forget them  

because remembering our past 

helps shape our futures. 

 Even in a world, 

of death and destruction, 

stress and anxiety, 

sadness and grief, 

there is also life and creation, 

laughter and relief, 

happiness and joy. 

By looking back, we can see forward, 

seeing how wrongs turn to rights, 

how dusk turns to dawn, 

how the cycle repeats itself, 

over and over, 

but in the end good things will always come. 

Though storms can pass overhead, 

they never last. 

Even if it feels like the roaring booms 

 and crackles of the night will never cease, 

the sun will always come back. 

Remember your roots, 

To help you through the blizzards and hurricanes. 

Remember the feel, 

of the burning heat of the bonfire. 

Remember the sound, 

of the ocean waves crashing onto shore. 

Remember the smell, 

of the cold fresh air up on the peaks 

Remember the sight, 

Of the city lights that shine like a million galaxies. 

The past will be your guide 

 through the rough storms you sail through, 

and will remind you that everything is going to be okay, because 

the sun will always come back.