We wandered off And drifted away Getting lost at night under bridges.
Antique boys who have become men Were cruel enough not To delineate maps for us, that we may use Through this rollercoaster ride. Yesterday I asked a supposed ‘sage’ How he did it? He babbled And shrugged me off.
We are still driving through this tumultuous route Who will lead us? Who will tell us the stories of ‘When men were boys’
I wish our elderly male Will become a light And carry us on their wings And tell us tales of how they survived.
This poem, titled “FOR THE BOYS: We also need mentors,” reflects the desire for guidance and mentorship from older male figures by young boys as they navigate the journey from childhood to manhood. The poem highlights the challenges faced by boys in finding their own identities and establishing themselves apart from their fathers’ shadows.
The first stanza talks about the boys seeking to create their own identities and feeling lost as they attempt to navigate the complexities of life (“ancient terrain”). They wander and drift, facing difficulties and uncertainties (“getting lost at night under bridges”).
In the second stanza, the poem mentions “Antique boys who have become men” – referring to older men who were once in the same position as these boys. However, these men were not compassionate enough to provide guidance and mentorship (“cruel enough not to delineate maps for us”). The poet seeks direction and guidance from these experienced individuals but is met with indifference or unhelpfulness.
The third stanza reflects the frustration of seeking advice from a supposed ‘sage’ who offers no real wisdom, merely “babbling” and brushing off the poet’s inquiries. The lack of proper guidance leaves the boys still struggling on this “tumultuous route,” longing for someone to lead them.
The poem concludes with the poet expressing a wish for the elderly male figures to become mentors (“become a light”) and provide support and inspiration (“carry us on their wings”). They are encouraged to share their own life experiences (“tales of how they survived”) to guide the younger generation through the challenges of growing up and becoming men.
Overall, the poem speaks to the universal need for mentorship and guidance during the transition from boyhood to manhood. It emphasizes the importance of experienced individuals sharing their knowledge and stories to help the younger generation find their way and establish their own identities.
THE BRIDGE HUB 