Being older does give pause for reflection.

From my vantage point
(Old age)
Having survived the despised conflict
Only to return to insults and spittle
Disrespect for time served
(Time given without conditions)
For people’s freedoms
For humanities better purpose
A stance toward prevention from
Future political disagreements
(War)
Hoping for future enlightenment
Of world leaders, politicians
Which never seemed to materialize.


Having seen technological revolution
(Cell phone, television, computer)
From the era of party-lines
Black and white televisions
70 mm, movie projection
(Sunday night Disney)
Dinosaurs of evolutionary thought
Long buried by new ideas
To make life better
Easier for everyone
(Logical progression)
The infinity of man’s creativity
Continually changing the world
Sometimes too fast.

Having raised kids in recessive times
(Too many to mention - recessions)
When things were good
And times were bad
Ingenuity our salvation
(Hard work, self-respect)
Tools of perseverance
Ensuring relative success
Food on the table
Familial bonds strengthened
(Family Psych 101)
Exchanged by parentless homes
Children banished
Day care sons and daughters.

Having watched society’s one act play
(66 years in one theatre)
Act 1, scene 1
Actors caught in revolving doors
Ever changing faces
(Critic’s choices)
Never changing dialogue
Occasional brilliant performance
Usually by an unknown
Not seeking accolades
(Muted belief)
Final curtain
Everyone unchanged by
Repetitive indifference.

From my vantage point
(Old Age)
I am concerned
Saddened
But
ever hopeful.

Stone 12/21/15