Youth vs. Age

We are never too old or too young to learn new things. For the old...keeping our minds attuned to what young people are thinking and achieving, keeps us viable in the modern world. Conversely...we have much to offer them in return, through experience; a

 

 

 

 

 

Youth Vs. Age

 

Can youth and age live side by side

Or will our opinions too often collide?

Youth abhors “the good ole days”

As grandma remembers her yesterdays

The more things change, they remain the same

We live for love in life’s little game

The tears we’ve shed…sorrow and pain

Are no different now, not youth’s domain

 

You think that we can’t understand

When life doesn’t go as you had planned

Yes…we’ve been down this road before

Hard to believe, but we know the score

We’ve lived through war, famine and strife

Learned many lessons throughout our life

That we’d like to share with everyone…

“There is nothing new under the sun!”

 

War still rears it’s ugly head

Wives and mothers still bury their dead

Some families prosper, their children thrive

Other’s work hard just to survive

Man loves woman…woman loves man

T’was ever thus since time began

Respect each other’s point of view

Share with each other the old and new

 

Life is a minefield to be carefully trod

(Some find it easier to go with God)

Do not dismiss the wisdom of age

Much can be learned from a wise old sage

Uncharted waters can sink many ships

So heed the pearls from Granny’s lips

You’ll find she’s a treasure to have around

She’ll guide you home safe and sound

 

Coppyright©2002 Beatrice Boyle

(All rights reserved)

 

Author's Note

Critique invited.

Reviews

[Jenny-Jen-Jen]

This was absolutely beautiful. Every word was real and captured the truth of our world. The line's: War still rears it’s ugly head, Wives and mothers still bury their dead. Probably stood out to me the most. Having a love in the military continues to weigh heavy on my heart.

This entire poem was lovely and a joy to read. I hope by befriending you, as writers, could possibly help my talent grow. It's always helpful to learn from the wise, the better, such as yourself.


I look forward to reading more from you :]



Jenny

[JohnL]

Beatice, here speaks experience - a commodity underrated by many in today's world - not by all, thank God.
You write with a simplicity of rhyme and reason which is most refreshing, saying what you mean and meaning what you say.
I find these lines particularly telling:

"Life is a minefield to be carefully trod
(Some find it easier to go with God)
Do not dismiss the wisdom of age"

The thought behind them brings to mind Dylan Thomas' wonderful words to his dying father;

"Do not go gentle intothat good night;
Rage, Rage against the coming of the day.

It demonstrates that Thomas valued his father in age, and is a wonderful testimony to filial respect. If you haven't access to it, let me know and I'll sent it to you.

"Can youth and age live side by side", you ask. Of course, but the living so, demands some give and take. Sadly, we live in a 'taking' society. The message is clear and you for one are an eloquent example of the approach that is needed, and happily is still there if we look for it. During recent illness we were wonderfully looked after by a real cross section of people in both age and station.

War, as you state still rears its ugly head. My father fought in WW1, Ilived through WW2 and frequently experienced Nazi bombing, yet I wonder what the German fliers were thinking as they dropped their bombs - probably just ordinary lads, not Nazis, but caght in the wicked grip of their masters. The world is full of greedy, power mad rulers. Sadly, the traits are spreading down the heirarchy. Your poem emphasises the horror without over dramatising it. (the reason of age - "don't exaggerate if you want people to take notice").

Your message was quite right - I do have some tales of the war, which I remember vividly. I'll post you some references separately for you to have a look at
John

[Robert Francis Callaci]

This poem is a treasure trove of wisdom- it flows off the lips and the message was beautifully told- An elegant piece of writing- youth take note - with age comes wisdom...


my warmest
bob

[OilsandSyntax]

Quite charming, this one...and so true. This coming from a gal who adores her Grandmother. Isn't it amazing how the "invincibility" of youth somehow transforms into hindsight being 20 20. Wisdom is rarely a blessing...it's usually earned through the trials (and blunders) of youth.

[Wildecat]

This is a beautiful poem, a definite pleasure to read, brings back some memories of yesterday. Nice write.

[Michael X]

this is touching and well written,a real pleasure to read, I think the entire meaning draws
the heart to times passed, and simpler ways of living at the same time has the feeling of coming home.