Folly of Youth

Pained am I with the waste of life, Of dreams that lie like myriad shards, Of hopes and love left far behind, Taking flight on withered wings of Unrequited expectations. Sad am I that young roiling blood Is stilled, silenced, with abandonment. Where is the burning zeal and zest, Brash bravado and youthfulness, Life that thrives on - being alive? We drink toasts to greatness, success, gain, Do we empathize with those who fail? Is what is taught is only that Our goal by day, and that by night, Is we've just got to beat the best? Angered am I to read of death Of youth who think life's race they have lost, Laying great store by trivial Pursuits whose conquest placed above Life, and limb, and the self itself? Oh, callow youth, oh innocent you! A quagmire of treachery and deceit Life is woefully all about. You win some points, but lose some more- With honour take it in your stride. Carry on regardless with a smile, Drink a toast to what'er be your lot. Through wind and storm or sunny days The days relentlessly zoom by Always heralding happy cheer! Blame not the foolhardiness of youth For life cut short due to shattered dreams. Blame lies squarely on the heads of Patriarchs of a synthetic Society of transferred hopes.