Times Have Changed

As my mind flies back to the days of childhood,
I remember what funny games we used to play.
Children from far and near neighborhood
Would assemble every weekend to have fun all day! 

Families in close vicinity were like a joint family.
Often sat together gaily round a common table, 
Sometimes partaking of a tasty homemade fare
Or chatting and laughing merrily over many a fable

Neighbors were bonded together in love.
In every need, there was a helping hand.
Contented with what little each one produced, 
Sharing what they had, lived as a single band.

In pain and strain, there was a shoulder to lean on
In joy, all could share, being connected to one another.
In days of old, men didn’t live isolated as on an island.
To each one, his neighbor’s pain was always a bother.

Now neighbors have become more like strangers.
Sometimes we meet them in the corridor or on the lift.
A flitting smile is passed between or a casual ‘hello’.
Life is too busy, from one pursuit to another, all drift.

Smart phones and internet have made life so mechanical.
All connections lost; another’s wellbeing is never our concern. 
We must reinstate and rebuild the snapped-up ties.
Despite all progress, I wonder if to old times, we should return.

Feb.9. 2023

~ Placed First~

Acquaintance and Neighborhood Poetry Contest
Sponsor – Sotto Poet
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Poet Avatar
February 20, 2023 at 11:47 AM
Heartfelt congratulations on your contest win with this incredible poem, Valsa. With my best wishes to you.
Romios Avatar
February 9, 2023 at 8:51 AM
Hi Valsa, Times never stay the same. My deceased Dad was always loving the good.old days. I never understood that. I have written many poems on this subject. NO, we cannot recreate our wonderful past nor have time walk backward, I am insane enough to think it will.))) the older I get, the colder the world is…keep close to those who love you. Let go the rest.
Pandit Avatar
February 9, 2023 at 6:00 AM
Wonderfully reminiscing in the neighborly yore--indeed, times have changed, Valsa. Your poem speaks eloquently in honor of those days.
Kendrick Avatar
February 9, 2023 at 5:38 AM
Reads like a good contender to me for the contest. I remember some times like that from years ago. Not too many of them though just a day here or there. Thanks for sharing and for dropping by my page. Sara
DiMino Avatar
February 9, 2023 at 5:36 AM
Well, let me get this out of the way from onset: A fabulous FAVE! Now, "In pain and strain, there was a shoulder to lean on In joy, all could share, being connected to one another. In days of old, men didn’t live isolated as on an island. To each one, his neighbor’s pain was always a bother." Brilliantly told! A sad but true commentary, how the Devil hijacks technology, makes us slave to our own egos. We have not changed at all. When it comes to heart and soul, many yet in the Stone-age.
McBride  Avatar
February 9, 2023 at 4:31 AM
Indeed times are changing, not for the better sadly, the evil one is getting confident not even trying to hide , I have met some great spirit filled people from India on here , : ). Take care my dear friend
Buhagiar Avatar
February 9, 2023 at 1:36 AM
Then and now. Many are writing about their experiences. Well done, dear Valsa.
Daniel Avatar
February 9, 2023 at 1:04 AM
So beautifully said, Valsa, you have brought out the theme exactly, I am finding it difficult to write for this contest...
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