X v Z

The freedom that children once had
Has been lost to a society gone bad

Children used to run through the streets
Now they just sit tight and never leave their seats

Sprinting through the gate and front lawn
To be home before the streetlights turn on

Create their own entertainment
Never experienced creative control

Today we seem to only hear
Of various horrors, we've learnt to fear

Young kids shouldn't be left alone
Walking distance away, yet you still drive home

Children disappeared, gone from sight
No-one was worried all they did was play

Apple pie wafting down the street
Kids run home so they can have a tasty treat

School was spent with neighbourhood friends
We would meet up and walk there together

During the day we’d just daydream
After school we would support the local team

Today weekend sport is just watched by chauffeurs
Driven everywhere, constant supervision.

Marks and grades, the only concern
A’s or B’s are socially accepted

Long ago we freely roamed town
Now they even safety-proofed the playground

Childhood was once spent with neighbours
Now we only seem to judge their behaviours

Kids rarely seen throughout the day
Only came home for an afternoon snack

Back in my day, they always say
Then they told their many tales of adventure

From building huts down by the creek
To climbing up a tree for hide and seek

Each kid knew their limitations
Which were learnt from previous explorations

Children today found up in trees
Must have parents who came from overseas

We knew of all the world issues
That were shown everyday, the six o’clock news

Kids are sheltered, yet are exposed
To all the world's problems with their eyes closed

Many face the prospect of death
Where in a ‘safe’ place they may take their last breath

Although many are sheltered
The rest stand together, a common front

Whether it may be, to protect
They may just save a world that is wrecked

Together they stand, united
As many know the revolutions begun

These children bring with them great change
The values held today will be rearranged

No one left outcast, on the side
Now all inclusive the old ways will die

Watch out for the young ones learning today
Although it may seem like child’s play
They are banding together to open a doorway
Rewriting the rules that we will have to obey