Initiative - Paradox

Though siren songs of progress spur Man higher,
like Icarus, beware ambitions' fire!

Conservatives of every hue
advance that common caveat -
whenever faced with something new
they seldom fail to smell a rat.
They therefore counsel caution due
before attempting this or that,
implying that inventions new, -
to wit: all that is not old-hat, -
are heresy, could threaten too.
You want a turn? Go out and bat!
Youth to youth true, what you must... do!
Don't wait too late, when old and fat, -
their attitude appears askew,
could be ignored, accepting that...

Sure, though to safety's shore returned his sire,
Daedalus' fate, forgot by most, was dire.

(9 September 1981)

poem by Jonathan Robin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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