Once Upon a Time in a Changing World

Once Upon a Time was always the start of fairy tales and children's stories, now it has a different meaning.

For instance, once upon a time children could go out to play or call for their friends and spend hours merely enjoying themselves, or as children do getting into all types of mischief.
Once upon a time they could say bye mom and go off to school with their friends and then walk home happily at the end of the day.
Once upon a time there were seasons for all the childish games we use to play, but all those times have disappeared.
It is a rare occurrence now to see children playing out in the streets like in years gone by.
Parents are frightened to let their children out of their sight even for a few minutes. If you have to take the children on a shopping trip it can be nightmare keeping watch on them and purchasing your goods at the same time.
I have three grand children, the eldest is ten years and they have never been allowed out in the streets without their parent or a responsible person with them.
Times have changed and as far as a child is concerned certainly not for the better, even their futures are uncertain in a world where computers are taking over our lives, our well being, and our jobs.
Once upon a time a daily trip to the corner shop where you heard all the gossip was great, it might take half an hour to buy a loaf of bread and a bottle of milk but the friendly atmosphere and the chance to chat to friends and neighbours every day was something not to be missed.
Your weekly trip to the supermarket is now a chore that has to be endured, very rarely is a smile or friendly word seen or heard, unless by chance you happen to meet your next door neighbour and even then time doesn't always allow for more than a few words as life seems all rush and bustle these days.
Once upon a time you could cross the roads without fearing for your life or go out alone in the evening and know that you would be safe as houses, but times have changed so much in the last few years that none of these things are possible unless you are very brave or foolhardy.