Don’t listen to them when they call you snowflakes.

Don’t be hurt when they call you fucking pansies.

Pity them. They are damaged. And they fear you.

 

They think it’s too much work to be inclusive,

too used to being the privileged majority.

Who is it really that’s easily offended?

 

When they see they don’t define the world anymore.

You do. That is why they fear you.

They claim your softness makes you weak.

Never doubt that is your strength.

The world needs more kindness.

 

You have a courage they could not imagine,

the courage of an open heart and mind.

Their courage was born on the battlefield,

where their hearts died.

 

I see the flag of hope in the next generation, 

the ones who face challenges we have never known,

the ones growing up to the mantra,

‘We trashed the planet sorry. You fix it.’

 

Only broken hearts crush pansies,

beneath the boots of soldiers.

They fail to see the delicate are precious,

and strength is underground.

 

They see fragility where I see vitality.

Your power is to embrace change,

embrace each other and then embrace the world.

 

So respect to the snowflake generation.

I salute you.

You may turn out to be the bravest, strongest humans yet.

 

©Janey Colbourne 2018