The Value of Values

The Value of Values

I think of lessons learned in youth
that I've used as guides along my way.
To me, I held them up as truth.
When did the truth become passé?

"Please" and "Thank You" seem forgotten,
simple words that show respect.
Ignore the children acting rotten -
manners are just a defect.

We used to learn from wisdom's holders –
Poe's dark words and Mark Twain's wit.
We no longer stand upon their shoulders.
There's no need; we Google it.

Discussions now explode with slurs;
we don't engage, we just protect.
One-hundred-forty characters
now passes for great intellect.

Disagree? You're in contempt;
we've lost all sense of civility.
Nothing's off limits or exempt.
We're no longer a community.

Kindness, compassion, respect too
have disappeared from this great land.
It's time we regained our virtue;
a house divided cannot stand.

An entry for the June round of "Poetic Traditions Poetry Contest " 
Line limit: 50
Line count: 24
Form: Quatrain   using a ABAB rhyme.