2.2.

HAVE YOU SEEN?

by Donald C. Mitchell

Have you seen the eyes of lonely youth afraid of age, afraid of life,

seeking an escape from fear,

the frightened look of resignation

in the face of disillusionment,

panicking in contemplation of the world

which revolves critically around them

casting suspicious glances

but never seeing the plea

never hearing the whispered cry never wanting to care

Have you seen these eyes

in the corners of cities

in the shadows of the glare of progress in the overlooked holes of civilization

Have you seen these eyes

before age tempers pain,

before experience cultivates bitterness,

before society sharpens the gaze

and tempts revolt

and violence

and revenge

12

Have you watched the decline of hope and seen the fire of youth die leaving the glow of memory and the clawing attachment to what might have been

Have you seen the eyes of lonely youth avoiding the gaze

of those who are no longer young

and can you still condemn

and feel no sympathy?