The changing times bewilder me,
the shifts are all too fast -
high tech, raised angst, and raging brutes
who don’t learn from the past.
The world seems in confusion,
shared platforms feed the beast
of vitriol and disrespect,
division not the least.
To me, control appears to grow,
insidious and sly,
disguised as great convenience
to ease and fortify.
I’m often told I can’t use cash,
must censor thought and word.
Offence is actively pursued
by sections of the herd.
Warped, narrow minds seem on the rise,
whilst angry mobs appear,
to quash dissent and open speech,
twist common sense, cause fear.
Old books, films, even history
attacked and labelled base -
hypocrisy’s so evident
with trash they do embrace!
Perhaps each generation feels
this same nostalgic ache
when pondering the world at large,
reviewing what’s at stake.
For me, I’m grateful to recall
such far less complex times -
for school days blithe, creating games,
and singing harmless rhymes.
When rudeness wasn’t quite so rife,
and different views to state
were diplomatically discussed
in rational debate.
Perhaps my rosy glasses rule.
Perhaps I just forget
that era had its issues too -
just different, and yet…
Small wonder when I sit alone
to watch the sunset blaze,
to relish birdsong in my ears
and dream of simpler days,
I walk the paths of memory
and drink in nature’s calm,
consider how those years now act
as vital healing balm.
Did far horizons never reached
lie heavy on my mind?
Did I deride another’s words
or scoff with words unkind?
There’s no one left to ask how well
I’ve captained at my helm -
I’m out of touch with some old mates,
while some have left this realm.
So sitting in this tranquil place
where all my cares release,
I thank my God with heart and soul
I’ve known such blessèd peace.
Reflecting on that happiness,
tears spilling from my eyes,
I feel compelled to stand and shout
my joy to starlit skies.
© Catherine Lee, October 2024
