Sunny Skies And Days Gone By

Where have all the children gone?
There are only remnants and faint clues
of the happiness and frivolity
that once colored these crowded streets

Now everyone rushes about
too busy to stop in for coffee
with too many projects and deadlines
to make time for a day in the sun

The innocence has been lost
hearts hardened as reality sank its teeth in
leaving the mark of regret
dreams forgotten for the sake of the corporate ladder

Soft traces of originality can yet be seen
though few make it past the assembly line
beat out by enhancements to economy's pockets
which themselves have holes and hands reaching in

Where are the children? you ask
They followed the sunny skies
untainted by corruption and deceit
leaving in their wake wishes for days gone by

April 26, 2007