To Boys Who'Ll Be Born Tomorrow

Even as I prepare my departure, Boys of tomorrow, I think of you. I'm leaving behind for you What I inherited from the departed, Lest I become like a rock Which knows not its children. Take heed dear ones, someday, You'll face your meekness, The enemy inside you, When you set out to win a damsel's heart. I know nothing about Matrimony of salt and sea. But, I don't consult a haruspex either, To foretell the stage-fright You're destined to suffer from, While you express your love. I don't wish to frighten you. But, Take my word lovers of tomorrow, Many romancing stalwarts Had been spirited away to madhouses By spirits of vineyards While they struggled to say The sweet sentence. In the ancient days of our land, A customary bouquet, made of two flowers: Mimosa blooms tucked in between Petals of a butterfly ginger lily, Was offered to one's dream girl, In lieu of words. If she wore it behind her ear, While her bewildered eyelashes fluttered, Like a bird after the rain, It was yes. The otherwise had fatal ways. I ask you To inherit the ritual. But, Plant the flowers first. For you'll be needing a lot.