Empty Life

When happiness is just a dream
In memory's distant past
And marriage just a fantasy
Which never seems to last

When laughter is unheard of
And frowns replace a smile
When people live in silence
And friends go out of style

When love is an unknown word
And hate the thriving passion
When peace is far behind us
And war the latest fashion

When all these things come to pass
And every word's a hidden knife
Then people are merely shadows
Just living an empty life