Anthem For Our Not So Doomed Youth

So...this middle aged couple sat in a cafe
I think that they'd been there some time,
Banging on about the 'youth of today'
Over a pint and a large white wine...

I heard all the high-lights and low-lights as well,
Each 'ruinous' aspect spelt out,
"With social media and smartphones, the kids are going to hell!"
Of that these folk had no doubt.

"Fast food and TV? They're even having sex!!"
They knew where it would end..."you just see!"
These poor middle aged folk were completely perplexed,
"It wasn't like that in our day, you see?"

I paid for my coffee and left their antipathy,
Shaking my head, out the door
I think the kids of today deserve our sympathy
And our time...and so much more.

Experience counts for a hell of a lot
And society is sure on the change,
The youth of today are just what we've got
They are there like a fresh, unmarked page.

The trick is to help them to find their own voice,
Not berate them based on just what you see,
Like us they are surrounded by far too much choice
To each spot their best opportunity.

So give them a break, try to walk in their shoes,
For with age comes the wisdom to know...
That it's not all down to if you win or you lose,
The important thing is to grow.....