Where Have The Cranes Gone? Poem by spiritual seeker

Son, let me show you my childhood playground,
where thousands of cranes stopped in their distant migration,
and clear streams flow with fishes you can see!
As I stood speechless, our hands holding.
I wonder, am I standing at the same spot where I used to be?

Dad, where are the cranes that you say came by the thousands,
to rest and feed in this open rice field,
like snow in the winter month?
And the cool clear stream with colourful fishes?
What I now see is only dry river bed and overgrown rice fields!
Son, forgive me for this great disappointment.
As we returned, silence and sadness heavy in our hearts,
Saw us houses, factories and golf courses where my forest used to be.

Son, if you want to live among birds and fishes,
Let the trees grow in your garden and forest,
Let there be heaven for the squirrels to jump and play.
Today, we shall plant some trees in our garden,
So that birds and squirrels will come back to play and claim their heaven,
And one day, bring music and happiness in your life.