by Bob Flanagan
The cold siren’s songs have lured
the young onto the rocks of nihilism.
Waves crashing and the tide ripping
young men’s souls bob and fray.
Now is the time for old men’s words.
The weathered and wearied warriors
must awaken to recuse
a generation of foundering,
frightened boys, now men.
Those who planted their seed,
knowing women who bore them.
Gather yourselves from cozy couches,
darkened man caves and gritty garages.
Beseech these frail souls
to bring forth future generations.
In adversity, your mother’s birthed you,
in ages of draft numbers and atomic clocks,
give voice to hope’s deep call
that exclaims more
beauty, strength, vibrancy, goodness
all that is yet to be.
Bob Flanagan has been writing poetry since childhood and majored in Creative Writing with an emphasis on poetry at Trinity College, Hartford, CT. His poems have been published in various publications and newspapers, including Spiritual Director’s International, the Connecticut Bards, and the New Milford Spectrum. He is also an award-winning Christian author, Chaplain at General Theological Seminary, and an Episcopal priest. He enjoys hiking the woods of Litchfield County, Connecticut, with his wife Lanie. You may find his writings here.
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