I stand back

In abject gratitude

For the chances

Gifted to me

And then the idea

That the "me" of whom I speak

Is just a link in a long chain

Dating back centuries

And that, perhaps, the sole biological goal

Is the continuation of the genetic line

And if "I" fail

Then all the previous "I's" have failed as well.

And yet somehow

All around me

Adults seem willing

To commit genetic suicide -

As if one of the first generations

To believe they are not important

And can be sent to the chambers

From which no child returns.

Lost in the struggle

For material wealth

Are the ideals

Of family, continuity & health.

Such that a grandfather of 90 -

Alert & self-reliant -

Is a lighthouse

Providing guidance

For the younger set -

A vision for them

To aspire to

And be achieved.

Knowing it