Paved Paradise and Put Up a Parking Lot

Paved Paradise and Put Up a Parking Lot
By Larry R Linville

I’m in a shopping center
with no tree for many miles.
People driving by my car
wearing faces without smiles.

There are no gentle breezes
and the sun is very hot.
I hear some sirens wailing
but I don’t know who they caught.

This was once a green pasture
with trees to give cool shade.
There was so much peacefulness
where little baby horses played.

There was no honking of loud horns
shrill noises were never heard.
Instead there came a gentle “moo”
and the chirping of a bird.

This doesn’t feel like progress
as it is advertised to be.
It feels more like I’m in a jail
just longing to be set free.

Let me start my car and go
to the country miles away
where I can find the setting
for a perfect place to pray.

When I’m there fill my mem’ry
with things which my life bless.
Then may I stand in joy
and proclaim my happiness.