A Poem for the older generations. Any comments?

Question

Why rejoice when someone else

is aging like we are?

Why feel vindicated when someone else

stumbles and makes a mistake like we did?

Why are we validated by another’s struggle

that we relate to our own?

We all feel less alone;

more akin to one another

in our brotherhood of experience,

so why aren’t we more honest about our lives,

our struggles, so others can feel this way too?

What do we protect and preserve in secrecy?

Why are we such islands to ourselves,

unable to relate to a world of others

making a similar journey?

Others could use our help;

a sustaining knowledge

that we are, after all, humans

having a very similar human experience.

We could strengthen

through our vulnerabilities,

rather than weaken a next generation

with a facade of such towering valor;

competency and skill.

Answer 1

I feel like this and I am only a young person !  This poem seems to describe how old people have great knowledge but do not want to share it with the next generation.  I think all humans want to know there are other people in the world like themselves.  Fitting in and being part of a group is so important and this is why old people are glad that another person is getting old.  I think being old is simply a stage in which people become detached from society and stop having fun.  I think there are exceptions though.  Its even more difficult than normal to fit into society when you are old.  When you are old a lot of people avoid you and you usually only have friends in your own age group, however for people who have managed to make life-long friends and keep an active social life being old is not a problem.  I think its the loneliness that people associate with old age that makes it a problem.  

     A lot of old people do have considerable knowledge, but they usually only share it with people who are willing to listen. You can't force people to listen.  They have to want to.  If knowledge separates you from your peers it can give you quite a lonely life but if you search eventually you will find people like yourself and then you are able to express your knowledge.

Answer 2

I couldn't agree with you more, that old rule comes to mind! Treat others the way you want to be treated! or do unto others, the way you want others do unto you! Cheers !!

Answer 3

So true. This message is for everyone, not just the older generations. The human experience is the journey from birth to death. It should be celebrated, and shared, without restriction. We could learn so much from each other. This post is a vital one.

Temari.