Tradition the Lasting Gift

Money can soon change hands, Photos will eventually fade away, And along with books may end up in the tip, Tradition will stay in mind the longest time, Past the next person in line. It is tradition that keeps the interest even when, Distraction is on the rise, Reading is in decline And photo's only on temporary display, With people photo shopped in and out, So, now you see them, now you don't. It is tradition that keeps the conversation flowing, Despite table texting, And selfies eating up time. It is tradition, That gives us the discipline, Which parents', now fear to give And the state fails to deliver. It is tradition that will keep kindness alive, Truth a chance to be heard, Hope for our kids, Away from the dope, And all that threatens to overwhelm, Til identity is in dispute. It is tradition that shows us A way to bring families together, That have drifted apart, With links to kin, Til now unknown. It is only tradition, That can transcend time and space, Which is just as well, As we seem to be running out of both.