When, then and now

Glimpse of the future –

unrelenting roar of blades,

stench of engines,

hives of hi-vis,

carpet like film of antifreeze and grease,

mechanised swarm of botanical torture devices.

Glimpse of the past –

flutter of glassy wings,

forests perfume of petrichor and wild flowers,

cackling friends nested in the treetops,

carpet of moss and feathery cattails,

calm lapping of water on the river bank.

Glimpse of the present –

whirr of indecision,

miasma of lies,

nests of creatures left forsaken,

carpeting web of deceit,

trucks on their way,

need to take a stand.