It’s never quite clear if
it is as it appears to be,
Veneers of words and
illusion work very well.
The mechanics and machinery
of opportunity,
Hasten any sole reservations
into acceptance.
An accelerated push
towards this betterment,
Yesterday’s new world, cast
away before dusk.
History’s actions written
in snatches of brevity,
Preened and presented in
this tidy new order.
One wonders if certain events
really happened,
The reinvention of what
never really was before.
No longer is absolute
truth held in high esteem,
A dry-cleaned version may
suffice circumstances.
Idealistic challenges test
and try personal resolve,
What was once wrong is now
right and acceptable.
Proclivities of the absurd
and aberrant dominate,
Dramatic changes now redirect
entire references.
Traditions and values are
fast becoming defunct,
One keeps one’s own faith
and ways under a hat.
Future generations will regard
today as antiquated,
Old teachings presented in
a modern assemblage.
©Copyright Eileen T O’Neill 31/05/2015
It does seem sometimes that history is being revised, or else people remember them differently as time goes on. So true that future generations will consider today antiquated...whereas we see how values of today are not like they were yesterday. All a matter of perspective.
ReplyDeleteI think we have to accept some change of viewpoint.. as long as we do not try to modify history to fit today's problem I think it is the way of the world.
ReplyDeleteIt does feel like we keep our faith and beliefs tucked away somewhere. Sometimes that is safer, and sometimes that is done out of fear I think---so sad, in either case
ReplyDeleteIt seems each new decade, I see the same mistakes, the same frustrations played out with different people on a different field of battle but yet it all seems so vaguely familiar.
ReplyDeleteDonna@LivingFromHappiness
Traditions and values are fast becoming defunct,
ReplyDeleteOne keeps one’s own faith and ways under a hat.
This is so true.. often noticed that the new generation seldom believes in traditions and values.. perhaps loss of roots.. or just a different mindset.. This poem is so deep and full of inspiration!
Beautifully executed :D
Lots of love,
Sanaa
We have been rewriting history to meet our needs for some time. To save face or push an agenda. You should check out a history textbook some time. It can definitely be interesting.
ReplyDeleteI think future generations are going to wonder how we managed to ignore the perils of global warming for so long........good write, Eileen. Well done.
ReplyDeleteWe live in a time when values, historical perspectives and even life's truisms seem to be shift-shaping before our eyes. Some days it seems to me as if humankind is trying to nail jelly to the wall. Of course one must be open to new experiences and interpretations - though there is a certain comfort in surrounding oneself with family and like-minded folk, whilst proceeding on this ever evolving journey.
ReplyDeletewell time changes references
ReplyDeleteI like that you leave the reader with a good dose of wisdom!
ReplyDeleteyes, for this is 'as the world turns'.
ReplyDeletegracias
Our values change but does the truth? Sadly what was once unwise does not become worthy because it makes money for someone.
ReplyDeleteThis made me think are we the masters of our own inventions or the slaves...rules change..not often for the better perhaps..certainly made me think (ow my head!)
ReplyDeleteI think each generation has their own sets of values and act accordingly though Truth is always the same...I love how this lovely poem triggers so many thoughts...
ReplyDeleteGood observations Eileen. I do wonder how future generations will interpret our story. I hope they're kind.
ReplyDelete:-)
ReplyDeleteZQ
Histories and discoveries, at some point, are being corrected and modified. So it's a bit difficult to know what really had happened in the past.
ReplyDeleteReminds me that the world goes around and around and around...
ReplyDeleteThis speaks so well to the feelings of the non-religious, antiquated teachings that don't fit the modern world.
ReplyDelete