Symbolising the future like no one surpassed

Are children and all of the hopes they amass

We celebrate the fresh perspectives they hold

And wish for them courage and strength to be bold.

But it should not follow that you should embody

Regrets for the past or be made to feel sorry.

To carry the weight of humanity’s woes

As a deliberate creation that’s uniquely yours.

We’re encouraged to mock and to offer derision

But all this achieves is to sow more division.

We lose something precious when we chose to sever

The links to our elders, a fruitless endeavour.

There’d be none of us here if it wasn’t for you

And the struggles and trials that you’ve had to go through

You’ve earned your respect and your right to opinion

And this world is not the youth’s sole dominion.

And just like other dividing positions

They weaken us all and distract from the mission

To strive for growth no matter our age

As we collectively write life’s next page.

Bart 23