there was a kingdom

in the middle of the world there was a kingdom
in the middle of the kingdom was a sea
in the middle of the sea there was an island
and in the middle of the island stood a tree
 
the tree was surrounded by a forest
a forest rising high into the hills
the hills grew ever taller, becoming mountains
with jagged peaks locked in winter’s chill
 
down from the mountain flowed an icy river
charging through a wild and rugged scape
coursing through and carving out a valley
flowing gently to a quiet and peaceful lake  
 
the lake was long, and wide, and shallow
and far away out on the distant shore
you could see there was a quiet little village
and a lovely house with a tiny wooden door
 
inside the house there was a warm and cozy fire
with a staircase leading up to a little room
and a bed that nestled closely by the window 
and tucked up in that bed - there was you!
 
good-night little one, time to sleep,
time to dream