Not Equal to the Task

The kids all call me "pops",
"uncle" or "old man".
They haven't got a clue as to who or what I am.

They think they're pretty cool
and I'm completely out of touch. 
That I'm just an old fool
who couldn't possibly have much

of anything to say.
Of any interest whatsoever.
Perhaps back in his day,
but not now.
Nope.
Never.

So I'm talking to myself
since I'm the only one that hears.
Keep my learnin' on the shelf
instead of wasted on deaf ears,

or eyes that cannot see.
That hide behind a mask
that will not speak to me.
Yet...
If only they would ask

They'd find this foolish old man
once was young like them.
They'd become his biggest fan and hope one day to be like him.

A wealth of information
and valuable advice.
A lifelong education on which one can't affix a price.

But they're not equal to the task.
Can't see the forest from the trees.
If it were me that  had to ask
I'd ask them, "Would you kindly please?"

but I might as well be dead.
Let my song remain unsung
for I can't share what's in my head
until they've finished being young.