The term Lost Generation refers to the post-World War I generation, often its writers. The term is a cynical view of America’s materialism and emotional barrenness.
Originating from a remark Gertrude Stein made to Hemingway – “You are all a lost generation” – he later used it as an epigraph to his first novel, The Sun Also Rises (1926).
I am part of a lost generation
and I refuse to believe that
I can change the world.
I realize this may be a shock but
“Happiness comes from within.”
is a lie, and
“Money will make me happy.”
So in 30 years I will tell my children
they are not the most important thing in my life.
My employer will know that
I have my priorities straight because
work
is more important than
family
I tell you this
Once upon a time
Families stayed together
but this will not be true in my era
This is a quick fix society
Experts tell me
Thirty years from now,
I will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of my divorce
I do not concede that
I will live in a country of my own making
In the future
Environmental destruction will be the norm
No longer can it be said that
My peers and I care about this earth
It will be evident that
My generation is apathetic and lethargic
It is foolish to presume that
There is hope.
And all of this will come true unless we choose to reverse it.
(Now read it again in reverse.)
Lost Generation by Jonathan Reed [Palindrome poem]
I decided to create my own version of Jonathan Reed's Lost Generation Palindrome poem, out of inspiration from this great piece. Wait until the end, it's well worth it.
SOURCE: Brian Goulet (2015), posted on YouTube, Duration: 2:30 mins, URL: https://youtu.be/dIEDuRcchjI
Lost Generation | Written by Jonathan Reed | Spoken by Ilton K. do Rosario
SOURCE: Ilton K. do Rosario (2015), posted on Daily Motion, Duration: 2:39 mins, URL: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x316pws
How to write a reverse poem
A reverse poem can be read backwards and forwards and not only make sense, but mean two different things.
SOURCE: Josie Alford (2019), posted on YouTube, Duration: 11:42 mins, URL: https://youtu.be/CA1gbK4UQic