Lapsed Into Vulnerability
by Michael Doyle

For most of my life, it's been grasp and capability
Now we've followed the Silent Generation into vulnerability. 
Our straightforward path toward security and prosperity
Lent itself to jaded jokes that were mostly others' jealousy.

The sky was the limit in the width and breadth of imagination.
We were the first generation to live in an era of innovation
That seemed to put us into a relaxed feeling and easy stride.
Suddenly, we are reminded that there is no such free ride.

Spending more than we had has led to a new age of austerity.
Everything we were certain of, seems to be in jeopardy.
The jagged edges of the possible loss of Social Security
Has become a truth that hits harder for some than simple policy.

So many of us Boomers are one shock away from living in poverty.
It's hard to remain confident in an age of living absurdity.
We worked hard and paid our share for something in our future.
How were we to know spending hawks forgot what to nurture?

What's not talked about in all these scare talks are steps taken
To increase the wealth of the nation and fix what's mistaken.
There will be challenges ahead as everyone has openly said
But hope and optimism are not forsaken or even nearly dead.

(c) June 13, 2025   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved