Step-by-step explanation:
Even though it seems morbid and depressing at first, the reader is in for a genuine surprise at the end. This poem is a reverse poem, sometimes called a Palindrome poem, which means that when it is read backwards, line by line, the poem takes on a whole new other theme and perspective, hopeful and optimistic in this case.
This is both a cynical and optimistic poem that portrays an economically and technologically progressing generation that has lost sight of what really matters in life. When read from top to bottom, the poem is read from the perspective of a young man who has a selfish and defeated perspective towards life, attributing more importance to work over family and blatantly declaring that destroying the nature will be a norm, further saying that he along with his peers, doesn’t care about the Earth. The whole poem is so pessimistic and is written in more of a narrative manner.
But, once you begin to read it from the bottom to top, line by line, the poem turns optimistic, with a strong and resilient undertone.
‘“Happiness comes from a within”
is a lie, and
“Money will make me happy”‘
This is one of the most poignant and notable lines in this poem, and an eye opener to today’s growing generation who is being brought up in a world where wealth is attributed more importance than human life, itself. As it is read from bottom to top, the lesson (given below) that these lines convey is one that everyone has to accept.
““Money will make me happy”
is a lie, and
“Happiness comes from within”“
It shows fallacious individuals that they can work for a change starting with their mindsets and deeds, ultimately contributing to a better world. It is quite a gem in the world of modern poetry. The most important lesson this poem teaches us is that everything has an optimistic side when viewed from the right perspective (backwards in this case).
And here is the poem backwards. Enjoy!
There is hope.
It is foolish to presume that
My generation is apathetic and lethargic.
It will be evident that
My peers and I care about this Earth.
No longer can it be said that
Environmental destruction will be the norm.
In the future,
I will live in a country of my own making.
I do not concede that
Thirty years from now, I will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of my divorce.
Experts tell me
This is a quick fix society
But this will not be true in my era.
Families stayed together
Once upon a time
I’ll tell you this:
Family
Is more important than
Work
I have my priorities straight because
My employer will know that
They are not the most important thing in my life.
So in thirty years, I will tell my children
“Money will make me happy”
Is a lie, and
“True Happiness comes from within”
I realize this may be a shock, but
I can change the world.
And I refuse to believe that
I am part of a lost generation.