In My Neighbourhood

I took a walk
Through my neighbourhood
The other day
Most things looked about the same
Some things were different

I remember
There used to be
More children playing
In the park
On the swings
Now just a few enjoy
The outdoors
In my neighbourhood

I took a walk
Through my neighbourhood
The other day
I passed by a house
That was just built
It’s a very well-built house
Not the same as the old house
Which looked like a nice cottage
With flowers and trees
And even a lovely white cat
That used to greet me
He would say hello
In its native language
When I walked
In my neighbourhood

I took a walk
Through my neighbourhood
It used to be very safe
Now I wonder
When the few that do walk
Sidestep and make room
As we pass each other by
No hellos
But mutual caution
Things used to be different
In my neighbourhood

I took a walk
Through my neighbourhood
And now I wonder
What happened to the cat