I seriously wonder if

the mores by which we conduct our adult lives

are assessed and implemented

by Ages Nine/Ten.

Kids have innate character.

They are observant and honest, decisive and brutal.

They judge by the keenest survival principle:

'cause and effect according to ME!'

 

I think the impact of prime birthdays

19/20; 39/40; 59/60 etc.

are about quantity not quality -

unsteady waters of re-evaluation

but still holding a steady keel

steered by childhood -

usually not acknowledged, or even recognized.

 

I do wonder about childhood.

And what exactly is trauma?

There are incontestable issues:

injury, death, abandonment

slavery and sexual interference -

absolutely no argument.

But there is so much about the daily survival

of adults, families, institutions even

that children in the WORLD of ME!

simply don't understand

or misunderstand.

No understanding can usually be clarified

as they grow up;

but misunderstanding may leave a mind

buttressed against alternative ideas -

convinced, warped, and impenetrable.

 

But I have to consider:

does a bruised spirit in one so young

actually encourage - even allow -

insights within the adult mind

perhaps not possible without such adversity?

If this might be so, maybe IS so,

what will be the philosophies of children

with death dogging every breath

in war zones, in erratic attacks

impersonal as hurricanes or earthquakes?

 

What are the thoughts of children

weeping over flowers massed in memoriam

soon to be shovelled off as trash

full of plastic pollution?

Do they consider the income for local sellers?

Or growers around the Globe?

The transport networks of ship, train and truck

bringing blooms to the shops 

for our homes - or our city squares?

It is not heartless to see 'business' within distress:

Commerce drives the world, and wars.

What do children understand about

the financial interdependence of nations?

The global society?

 

Do they ever think about Religion?

Faith? Humanism?

Are they alert to the invasive power of Symbolism?

Messages! Messages! Everywhere.

 

Do children think about the EARTH -

and its vital limitations?

Or our little social galaxy in an expanding universe!

 

Do they think at all about these things

Freshly – deeply – wisely?

Or will it always be 'Monkey see, monkey do'?

Why should I be any different from my elders!

'Experience is the best teacher'

is not much good if we're all dead!

 

'Monkey see, monkey do.

Monkeys like you belong in a zoo!'

That pernicious little rhyme rattled my childhood

used as reproach for some unthinking stupidity

very effectively.

Kudos to its author, whoever you are.

You nailed me.

And I think you nailed civilization!

 

Cynthia Buell Thomas, May 2017

 

 

 

 

Cynthia Buell Thomas, May 2017