ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

65 - Game On

Sitting on the sidelines
we see it every day,
when it comes to push or shove
we look the other way.
When it comes to leading,
it’s left to just a few
to sit up in the drivers seat,
a chosen one or two.

People need a leader,
we follow just like sheep,
not prepared to have a crack,
rewards are there to reap.
Quick to say no worries
and she’ll be right ole mate,
but someone makes it happen
in positions to debate.

At a game of footy
or any other sport,
thousands on the sidelines,
giving their support.
Everyone’s an expert,
the losers aren’t impressed,
those few in the middle,
strive to do their best.

We work to raise a family,
we give it all we’ve got,
nothing left unanswered,
so much taught forgot.
Now we’re on the sidelines
watching those we taught,
what we thought and did in life
all now counts for nought.

Baby boomers classified,
so much misunderstood,
tried to make a difference,
all gave what we could.
What we did not good enough,
our journey understated,
standing on the sidelines,
our efforts underrated.

It’s now up to Millennials,
the world is their’s to run,
held their hands long enough,
our efforts second to none.
We’re still here on the sidelines,
we haven’t gone away,
watching what you all can do,
on pause, rewind, replay.

Sitting on the sidelines,
we see it every day,
when it comes to push or shove
we look the other way.
When it comes to leading,
it’s left to just a few
to sit up in the drivers seat,
it’s now all up to you.

Glen Hughes ©
5/6/22

Gday Glen,
just having a read of your poems, I don't get on here much anymore but it is good to see someone new posting their work. You are obviously a man of the world and spent some time in the bush, as have many of the past poets on here, it is generally fairly obvious who is writing from experience and who is using their imagination, I suspect you are one of the former. I will get to read a few more as time permits, thanks for posting.

Good one Glen and a fair observation IMO

Yes indeed this is a fair observation, and written at the perfect pace for such statements.... That fifth stanza referring to the Baby Boomers is so true -and now we're watching the next generation.... Nicely done, Glen!