Spirits Of Civilizations Now Gone

It is fashionable to be nostalgic about days gone by
but I really feel back there truth does lie
I would not like to be growing up in today's world
the banners of peace are so rarely unfurled
commitments to public service held with so much disdain
on the left on the right an excess of maddening games
now I suppose I will always have partisan views
but never believed that the other side didn't have credible views
look at legislation that stands the test of time
people with different ideologies able to walk the same line
frankly if I was an undergrad today
to the major I love I would say "no way"
too much hostility and showmanship rules
power for power's sake dominates the schools
yes it feels like a political class has all the strings
but the change they advance still has an oligarchical ring
so what is to be our fate if civic engagement is left to the few
can you see the wrecking ball and what it will do?