L Milton Hankins Poet Free verse

The Times They Are Changing

Some friends say I do not understand
The new age we are purportedly living in
The tell me even language has changed
Frankly, I don’t know where to begin.
It seems my statistics are way out-of-date
My experience counts for almost nothing,
Seems like respect for things I cherished--
Like freedom of speech—is slowly dwindling
Political factions are at each other’s throats
Over cockamamy theories of dubious source
The most idiotic fame-seekers are elected
While the news is skewed and bifurcated
And everybody knows more than I forgot
Could it be my time has come to sit back
And listen, without offering any opinion?
I suspect so, but I cannot help but chuckle
At where this new generation is going. 

written April 8, 2022
[late, after a long day!]

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Ann Peck April 9, 2022 at 10:31 AM I guess we all struggle with changing times as we age. I remember my dad saying we'd be sorry if we elected Kennedy. I don't know the bands, the actors, the words spoken now, time rushing by, the few of us left. It's hard. Your poem very nicely expressed the frustration we feel. L Milton Hankins April 9, 2022 at 12:23 PM Thank you so much, Ann, for your thoughtful and insightful comment on my poem. I really appreciate it.

John Lawless April 9, 2022 at 4:09 AM Well, Milton, as you are using the title of an old Bob Dylan song......we can also ask ourselves....how much have the times changed since we were singing it....and how much of the change was inspired by "our" generation. Remember...when you couldn't trust anybody over 30 L Milton Hankins April 9, 2022 at 7:57 AM Indeed I do, John. "Those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end."

Caren Krutsinger April 9, 2022 at 12:42 AM I am also chuckling. I learned "cap on" yesterday. It means you are lying. What? L Milton Hankins April 9, 2022 at 8:08 AM That's a new one on me!

Kim Rodrigues April 8, 2022 at 8:20 PM The youngsters should lean into the words of the old and wise. We are not meant to be discarded. We should also listen. God bless! L Milton Hankins April 8, 2022 at 9:49 PM Much, much truth in your comment, Kim. Thanks!