The Serenity Gardens

The first step into the gardens is different for everyone.
One may step into them angry, sad, indifferent, lonely.
But as you walk through the exotically flowered paths
As you let yourself hear the birds along with the water
As you let your hair gently blow away from your face
Exposing you.
Your anger melts away.
How can you be angry in place made of beauty.
Your sadness evaporates.
How can you be sad in a place so serene.
You try to be indifferent, but it’s hard not to care.
How can you not in place made of peace.
Most importantly, the loneliness in your heart is no
Longer loneliness. But peace.
And for once, in this world of deceit, hurt, & sadness
You feel okay to be with yourself.
You know the gardens are not here to hurt you,
Lie to you, Or abandon you.
They’re not going anywhere and they return as surely as
The seasons do.
By trusting their calmness, serenity, you somehow
Trust yourself.
The first step into the gardens is always different
But the exit is always the same; serenity
So I take a deep breath, & let my body revive itself
With the courage to face another day of reality as
I take another look at the gardens and step out.

“The Serenity Gardens” Poem

Written by a patient - Karina D. - about the Healing Garden at Rosecrance Treatment Center for Youth Substance Abuse