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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It seems my statistics are way out-of-date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

Date: 4/9/2022 10:31:00 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
Date: 4/9/2022 12:23:00 PM

Thank you so much, Ann, for your thoughtful and insightful comment on my poem. I really appreciate it.

John Lawless

Date: 4/9/2022 4:09:00 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
Date: 4/9/2022 7:57:00 AM

Indeed I do, John. "Those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end."