When You Go Searching was written in the fall of 2020. It expresses a reflection upon history and the role that different generations have played in it as well as looking towards the future for something better.
Original Text: One day, long ago, you said goodbye. You gave up, turned away, and claimed your great prize. Wake up, join us, we’ve much further to go. Stand up, join us, your prize is long sold.
When you went searching, What end did you see? In what part of history, Did you see your work complete?
So I’ll go, journey far; I’ll learn the way. I’ll stand up, join the call, and find our new place. A secret, sung loudly, I never recalled, Now calls me, it haunts me, the turning bells’ gall.
Now I go searching. Will I return? Is this world broken? Have I the strength to learn?
One day, a nearing dawn, I’ll say goodbye. I’ll sit down, turn away, and tell those who come, Wake up, join them, you’ve a long way to go. Stand up, join them. Your prize is un-won.
When you go searching, what will you see? On what side of history, Do you want your world to be? By Sean Penzo