Speaking in tongues (19th May 2008, 1.47pm)
We both speak English, don’t we?
I appreciate the generation gap may be
Too wide to straddle, especially in those jeans
But I’m experiencing an unexpected language barrier
Are we too stupid to gather the gist of each other?
Make links between words with similar themes
Make sense of pidgin and slang and double meanings
However unintentional and funny to each of us they may be
I just offered to give one to a Year Eleven boy
I meant an exam question; his mind slid somewhere else…
Are we having an issue with body language?
You, slouched in your chair with your hand
Struggling to hold your head up
Me, standing in front of you with
My hands on my hips, ready to tell you off
For just being yourself (youth)… Read my lips:
Believe me; I understand where you’re coming from
It’s these tiny social injustices, these
Nuances, influences, positions, responsibilities
It’s a respect thing, that’s a word they’re fond of nowadays
You see, back when I was your age
A whole ten years ago, Jesus, that’s a decade
That seems like yesterday, I was the one doodling in biro
Staring out the window, unable to concentrate
Isn’t it ironic? What a funny Fate
But I’m sure when I was your age (patronising, isn’t it?
Listen as I revel in it!) I understood:
We’re not speaking in tongues, we’re just
Being deliberately obtuse, innit? Ain’t that the truth?
Comments
Ewan | May 20, 2008 - 18:41
I confess I am surprised no-one commented on this. Its deserved cherry I suppose is comment enough.
I just wanted to say I admired the voice and the conceit that the generation gap might be more of a language barrier.
A very enjoyable read.
Regards,
Ewan
jennifer | May 21, 2008 - 15:09
Thank you, Ewan! I must say I am chuffed with cherries but never know where they are going to land amongst my varied scribblings!
Yes, isn't it funny how language is modified by different ages and how some things are so circular?
Dynamaso | May 22, 2008 - 07:32
This is exactly why I can't relate to my neices and nephews even though they think I'm the 'cool' uncle.
"I appreciate the generation gap may be
Too wide to straddle, especially in those jeans"
This is a fantastic line and made me laugh.
What a great read. Thanks :)
jennifer | May 23, 2008 - 07:17
It's funny because I am young enough to have to play the adult while still recalling with perfect clarity how it feels to 'react' against adults and their slight 'out of touchness'. And it feels a little odd to be slightly out of touch these days!