I think back to my early teens To what I had but what we've lost As kids we would walk about four miles to fish a special pond In a special place Sneak in through the gap in the iron railings We thought we were so clever but the truth is the landowner always knew what we were up to But he didn't mind. We weren't there to vandalize and destroy We had the freedom to roam That quiet tranquil place Sunlight on the breeze driven rippled water Bird songs Lying on the bank, up to the armpit in water Searching in the mud for fresh water mussels Always looking for that special pearl Never did find it I look now at what our kids have got Can't go here, can't go there Nothing left, nothing, nothing No more the woods and wide green swathes No more the freedom No more the tranquility that once was mine