Presently the army again sat down to think. the odor of the peaceful pines was in the men's nostrils. the sound of monotonous axe blows rang through the forest, and the insects, nodding upon their perches, crooned like old women. in this passage, the author compares the sound of the insects to old women singing.
In the given passage, if the author wanted to change the positive connotation of comparing the sound of insects to old women singing, which simile could be used instead?

A) like screeching tires on pavement
B) like a soothing lullaby
C) like a babbling brook
D) like a symphony of chirping birds