Statistics about depression, mental health, and screen time cause concern for young people along with older people’s judgment that “today’s generation doesn’t read or doesn’t care.” Sean Murphy spent six months reading hundreds of poems submitted by young writers age 10 to 21 mostly from the US but also from nine other countries. He says, “They grapple with real fear and insist that bearing witness to the world gives purpose and meaning to people’s lives.” Sean shares a taste of their poetic wisdom as they try to answer questions that adults themselves struggle with or avoid, such as “how to remain human in a culture that monetizes distraction.” Or there is this insight from Emily who wrote, “Because, nothing true aches forever. And sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply open your hands.” Sean suggests at least paying attention. “We might even seek to emulate them.”
