Once Barren, Now Paradise
I deemed benefit elsewhere, there only cease,
Now I harbor anguish, not worthy of a release.
My alarm was the symphony of mocking birds,
Now I awake shouts, neighbors, foreign words.
In transit neighbors waved, farm gear wearing,
Now I hear blares, drivers religiously swearing.
Places were roamed happily with shoeless feet,
Now I risk contact yet shoed to soiled concrete.
Level grounds lifted fresh waters from the well.
Now I walk levels that of Dante’s levels of hell.
Summers borne unveiled colognes of fresh soil,
Now I breathe, pant ripe ruins, a laborious toil.
Countryside remedies were freely at fingertips,
Now I rely on factory meds sealed in metal strips.
Meals originated of wildlife flawlessly savored,
Now I spend fortunes that artificially flavored.
Sunsets came mosquitoes, lightning bugs flying,
Now I endure tenants, concerts of babies crying.
What once a branded land I cast deficient, vice,
Now I mourn once labeled prison mere paradise.