That was then, this is now

• Paul Johnstone, Grade 11
• Short Story
• 2004

The forest grew like a child, and perished like an old man
Once the river flowed clean and pure,
Now it is contaminated with corruption
The flying eagle once watched below his wings,
Now there is nothing to see.
The trees once stood tall and proud,
Now skyscrapers stand hunched with guilt.
The patient hunter has now become the hunter of greed.
The cheerful melody sung by the frolicking birds has become
The siren of crime racing to a destination unknown.
The birds that flew when injustices soared have not returned.
So here we wait for time to show what is next.
That was then, this is now