Don’t Start
You’re about to do
something extreme
and I don’t want you to do it.
It seems unhealthy.
It makes no sense to me.
You shouldn’t be able to do this.
I fear you might regret it later.
I worry about you.
I wonder
where I went wrong
in your upbringing
that you would come
to this.
I view YOUR decisions
as MY failures.
I actually believe
that I have
a better perspective
than you on this.
I actually believe
that age brings wisdom.
I actually believe
that you’re
making a mistake
and it’s my duty
to help you avoid it.
Boy,
I am so full of myself.
It looks
from my perspective
that you fell in
with the wrong group
and now you believe
that everything
that your wrong group
does is normal.
I’m begging you
to stay exactly
as I remember you.
Make one wrong decision,
and people around here
will think you’re a freak.
You’ll be ruined.
Nothing good can come of this.
I wish you never
became independent
so I could still control you.
Don’t start that revolution.
Don’t secede from England,
please.
The King
P.S. I have to admire
your courage and imagination.
I feel so stodgy,
what with this crown and all.
Centuries of doing
the same thing,
and for what?
It’s people like you
wot change reality.
3/2
Don’t Start: The Struggle Between Tradition and Change
The timeless conflict of upholding tradition versus embracing revolution.
The Personal and Collective Benefits of Caring
This reflection delves into the intricate dance between the conservation of tradition and the bold leap towards independence and change. It explores the emotional turmoil inherent in confronting established norms, through the lens of a figure torn between fear for the future and respect for the past. The narrative captures the essence of a dialogue not just between individuals, but between the ages—highlighting the universal struggle for self-determination.
The Dual Faces of Progress
At the heart of this confrontation lies the contrast between the comfort of tradition and the allure of revolution. Symbols of historical continuity, such as crowns and the trappings of monarchy, stand in stark contrast to the vibrant emblems of change and independence. This visual juxtaposition not only embodies the clash of ideologies but also the emotional complexity surrounding the act of defiance against established order.
A Reflection on Self and Society
The admission of feeling “so full of myself” and the fear of societal judgment reveal the deep-seated anxieties that accompany the prospect of change. These confessions underscore the tension between personal conviction and the weight of collective expectations. The narrative evolves into a recognition of the transformative power of courage and imagination, acknowledging that true progress often requires challenging the status quo.
Summary
The journey from tradition to revolution is fraught with internal and external conflicts. Yet, it is through these confrontations that society finds new paths to freedom and self-expression.
Glossarium
- Tradition: The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.
- Revolution: A fundamental and sudden change in political power or organizational structures that takes place in a relatively short period of time.
- Self-Determination: The process by which a person controls their own life.
“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw
in the dance of light and shadow,
where old meets new on life’s vast stage,
a crown lies heavy on thoughts so narrow,
yet hearts yearn for the turn of the page.
tradition’s grip, so firm and sure,
clashes with the spirit’s bold crusade,
in this struggle, so raw and pure,
the future’s path is newly laid.
with courage bold and visions new,
against the tide of time they push,
for in the heart where dreams do brew,
awaits the silent, world-changing hush.
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