I've thought a lot about this in the past year or so. I wonder at what age we become as ignorant as those 15 years or more younger than we believe we are. I may be wrong as they all think I am, but it seems to me that much of it has to do with not expecting enough from children as they grow into teens and beyond. But I think this write hits closer to home than many would like to believe. Good write lady!

I think it's a matter of young-person genetics. It is the bent of untrained and inexperienced eyes to see the gem right under their noses as a mere stone. I can see you sparkling all the way from Oregon, and I hear you loud and clear too. That's why we need our friends!

As always I enjoy your poetry...CharMin

It's like there is a time delay, this one about a decade long...later, maybe, some realize we have a little worth...Good poem. Thanks.

Great reflection...there's an almost yearning here that is well understood.

Oh, I just love this poem. It is the first time I have heard or read this sentiment expressed so very well. I especially like the last stanza where you turn around the old saw about children being seen and not heard. Although I am not a parent, it occurs to me that this particularly noble vocation - if it is to be carried out well - requires a healthy fund of humility. Thanks for this gem, Sandy.

This is so true and I'm so glad I'm not alone in this. sigh...

You've expressed poetically a universal among the young I believe. Seems to be in every human's genes.

It's stunning how much pain we keep inside during times like this, hoping that the passage OF time will finally bring sense of everything back. I know this feeling you describe well. Some days I think we were born crunching down our emotion, hoping may Heaven show a little mercy.

This poem packs such realness that I want to just hug you.

The generation gap aptly redefined Sandy. I love to reminisce with my parents now that we're older. My son is coming along nicely too. Good luck with your own family! ;o)