How Times Have Changed

Exams were finally over,

Ran out of my home like an absolute joker;

Towards the ground we went,

With my 'only' friend I had, since I was in ten.

As we reached, we were shocked!

The sight we saw, never in our wildest dreams had we thought;

Not a soul to be seen - none screaming like mad

But for a toddler playing with his dad.

The evening was pleasant,

We sat down on the bench.

And as I looked at my watch,

I realized, it would've been perfect to start a match.

While we waited, memories flashed by -

On the soft grass would we lie,

After scoring a goal or hitting a winning six;

Ah! Those days, how I dearly miss!

Four friends underneath a distant tree,

Were glued to their mobile, perhaps playing PUBG.

Like a zombie, a boy trodded down the street,

The bag, so heavy, almost fell at his feet.

So, here we have another one, following the crowd;

No dream in his eyes - or the voice to speak out loud.

Another one looking set to clear 'Advance'

To get a job at Google, or fly over to France.

The road beyond seemed to be in a rush,

No one stopped to enjoy the greenery and the lush;

There was a race against time -

Even Mother Nature had lost her smile.

Hardly anyone showed signs to stop,

To direct the senior to the shop.

Greed, money and fame were slowly becoming host,

And with each passing moment humanity was lost.

Slowly it was getting dark,

Far-away I heard dogs bark,

To the end of the street I went

And finally bid adieu to my friend.

As I trudged towards my home,

Looked at the field which expected no visitors to come;

The sun hid in the west - from the east the moon gave a smile;

I believe, perhaps, the only two constants of time.