Initiative - Paradox Poem by Jonathan ROBIN

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)