Evolutionary History

Back in the day when we were
young, the lessons we learned
were about a Cold War, nuclear
MADness, and to crouch under
our desks when the siren sounded;
that the Iron Curtain separating
us from a surly and powerful
bear quick to anger, could
threaten and strike doom.

Today's students are taught
about the Warm War and a
Carbon Curtain threatening their
future, the adversaries not those
earlier portrayed but those
representing an agreed conclusion
struggling against the ignorance
of the culpable deniers.

Children are eager to learn,
absorb their lessons well, recite
at command their dutiful
understanding of puzzling events;
resilient however concerned they
become at these threats to their
futures, understanding full well
that they have met the enemy.