What you suspect of us grownups is true,

at least of some of us—we

just want you to do exactly

what we say, because we sort of

hate you for being young

and feel the balance should be 

struck by your obedience.

We want you to think what

we think—because you allowing

us to convince you makes us feel

wise and smart and like we have something

to show for all that youth we wasted.

We’re jailors and slave-drivers,

self-righteous power-trippers,

bent on punishing you for the

disappointment and mediocrity

of our lame-ass grownup lives, seeking

in our control over you some semblance of

vindication or salvation.

And, oh yes, your first thought

should be resist, escape,

recriminate—doubt and question.

Why should you follow our

instruction, respect our

decisions, follow our example—

unless you want to end up

like us?

Old and boring and bossy.

No, you’re not condemned to

be like us, not quite,

but the generations shift

with no one’s consent,

dumping you in a place

bearing no mark of your own design,

and looking around in

the vast indifference, the struggle

lost without your ever really

sensing you’d adequately

taken it up—there is

something like concern,

something like worry,

something like a genuine

wish to pass on whatever

you can of

preparedness.

All your discoveries

will seem worthy of

handing down - 

even the ones that get

thrown back in your face.

What we think of you kids

is right too, at least some of you:

you’re oblivious to

your own inconsequence—

have no sense of what

anything’s worth, can’t

imagine losing

sight of a promise

that vanishes in the distance

or recedes like a mirage

on the horizon.

Also read:
GRACIE - INVISIBLE FENCES

Secret Dancers

IN HONOR OF CHARLES DICKENS ON THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS BIRTH

THE TREE CLIMBER: A STORY INSPIRED BY W.S. MERWIN