Generation Gap

The International Library of Poetry

Generation Gap

To Phuong Thao 

Happily aboard the wings of time,

New generations are streaming towards the adult society,

Each being proud of its own personality,

Each exuding its set of values and learning

And how apart does it stand distinctively from its predecessors

In ways of thinking, in approaches to life!

As is impossible in this fast-changing world

For any generation to hold exclusive expertises!

Not so long, will set in discordance and potential conflicts

Between these newcomers and other social layers

Is generation gap, that very buildup

Of distrust, contempt, and misunderstandings!

This gap, should we underestimate it, however,

Then how costly reveal the oversight and indifference

Wider and thinner does it stretch

Till disruption and disintegration

As witnesses, the collapses of former empires and Soviet System

Could be otherwise a good challenge to the society,

If it succeeds in drawing attentions from ail concerns.

Not much is needed as collective contributions to close it

Just joined efforts, mutual adaptation, and friendly dialogues

What's so precious? Will be enriched, the whole community

With diversity, progress, resilience, and maturity.

Trinh Hieu Nghia