A simpler time

I remember a simpler time. Back when less seemed like more and charity was homegrown; when families had time to celebrate closeness over good food; and conversations sprang up spontaneously like wild flowers; when strangers were regarded not as strangers, but as new friends in waiting. A time when elders were co-parents even to unfamiliar children and relished the right to teach them the path. I recall a much simpler time; when people cared, because it took a village to cultivate life; and everyone exchanged hearty good mornings, fresh hellos, and distilled copious pleases, and thank yous; when no one gave thought to locking their windows and doors; mothers ruled the roost and fathers commanded attention... together, their word was as good as gold. I remember a simpler time, when people farmed hope and goodwill to share with neighbours; a time when the things filling children's minds were school and outdoor play. Not apps, reels, and videos; because the escalators of their minds took them on wild adventures, and on journeys of discovery to fantastic worlds populated by sweet, intriguing distractions. I reminisce of a simpler time, when honesty was valued and its premium protected; when people disagreed and duelled over differences without vicious labels weaponised by destructive hate, when truth was the ultimate currency, not a relative concept; and facts were just that - facts, not shades of [re]interpretation or convenient fabrications. I remember a simpler time when people were much easier to understand; when they made far fewer faces to face the faces they faced; a time when friends were who they said they were... not shadows evolving in stealth. I miss those simpler times; when I was blissfully unaware of how much the world had changed and that lies could come easier to some than leaves to a tree…