As I reflect upon what I know
of my great grandfather’s life,
I can only ask:
What were they thinking?
Why did they ignore all the problems?
That now make life so much harder
Why did they let hatred consume them?
And lies divide them
Why did they take for granted
All the wonderful things that they had?
Fresh air
Clean water
Freedom
Democracy
Peace
Why did they let things get out of hand?
With half of the country hating the other half
And steps taken backwards
And if they knew what their decisions
would cause for us,
Would they do it all the same way again?
These solemn, considered lines are really compelling to read. I have a horrible feeling that, yes, our grandfathers (and grandmothers) would have done exactly the same things again. What a terrible legacy we are leaving the younger generations.