Once I saw the starsSaw them in the dead of nightOnce I saw the starsRed and blue, dim and brightOnce I saw the starsTwinkling in the skyOnce I saw the starsPure beauty to my eyeOnce I saw the starsBut now the sky is gray and meanAnd only planes are to be seenBut once I saw the stars.

Once I saw the fishSaw them in the ocean blueOnce I saw the fishTheir scales held every hueOnce I saw the fishDarting through the reef of coralOnce I saw the fishFree of all the world’s moralsOnce I saw the fishBut now the water’s green and stingsThe ocean void of colorful thingsBut once I saw the fish

Once I saw the treesSaw them in a city greenOnce I saw the treesTheir leaves, a beautiful sheenOnce I saw the treesTowering to the skyOnce I saw the treesThough you may think that a lieOnce I saw the treesBut now the ground is bare and flatNo life round here except for ratsBut once I saw the trees

Once I saw the artSaw it in a building oldOnce I saw the artToo beautiful to be soldOnce I saw the artIts vision made me thinkOnce I saw the artSo many shades of pinkOnce I saw the artBut now the easels are cracked and tornThe fashion never to be wornBut once I saw the art

Once the world had beautyAnd the stars all twinkled brightOnce the world had beautyAnd the ocean was a sightOnce the world had beautyWith trees, lush and greenOnce the world had beautyWith art that should be seenYes once the world had beautyWhere did it go?