We weren't like the others

We walked apart, dropped out

Wore our hair long

Cotton Madras and batik

Beads and pewter symbols

of Peace and Love.

We were quiet

Tolerant of those who would turn from us

Trying to find the answers

The secrets of life's plan

We sat on the grass at lunchtime

A curiosity to others.

Labeled and chastised

Categorized and carefully observed

We were suspect.

And we did no damage

And we did no harm

But they were afraid of us.

And they worried because we didn't play

Football and Track,

The violin or Jesus Saves;

We played life, and love,

Blind Faith, Jimmy Page and the Dead;

We played Peace, and Kindness and Wisdom.

And when we worried, it was for the Earth's

     children;

And when we spoke, it was in defense of

     America's homelands;

And when we protested, it was considered

     adversity and trouble

And we were prosecuted without a trial.

Thirty minutes, thirty years

seem almost the same

Except now there are encumbrances -

Commitments -

and seventeen pieces of matched luggage

Overfull with material things.

We've graced the barber's floor

and lined the banker's drawer

We've driven the best and most elite

Learned to make fast lane changes

And to pay the CPA

And the PTA;

We joined the cynics and the Right

Watched the sun set on our ideals, sold out

Traded our dreams for things we can touch

Without incurring a sideways look-

Forgotten which way is up

And which is down.

We've categorized and grown oh so responsible;

Created the nuclear family

Dressed the bird in our own kitchen

Complained about the State Of Things

Opted for permanent press and suburbia

And shaken our heads at the Past.

Although we often think we will

We don’t have time sit on the grass

At lunchtime or otherwise;

            And I wonder if

                        we ever will

                                    again?