“But the Young Summer May Not Listen” is a poem for a generation in motion—a generation growing up in a world shaped by speed, pressure, uncertainty, and constant change. Yet rather than turning toward cynicism, the poem remains attentive to light, hope, and the emotional imagination of youth.
Its final line—“but the young summer may not listen”—gives the poem its deeper resonance. Summer becomes a symbol of youth itself: bright, restless, and already moving toward the future. The poem stands at the threshold between blessing and departure.
Through images of wind, rain, seeds, footsteps, and song, the poem reflects on what it means to begin life in the modern world while still holding onto sincerity, wonder, and the belief in renewal.
But the Young Summer May Not Listen
by Cathy Xinman
Sunlight arrives once more
today.
The hillsides of spring are about to depart.
Dandelions sing in happiness.
I stand at the mouth of the runway they prepared,
a quiet runner.
The wine of celebration,
the rounded sky bestows upon you.
Children,
all the overflowing joy is given to you.
Graduates,
the histories that accompanied you through hardship, one by one—
for milk and also for honey,
the courage to change the world is offered to you.
A drop of water strikes the top of the head,
like a shining blessing
falling upon the books.
May you devote yourselves to what you love.
May your bright smiles
spread across the sky like green seeds.
May the sound of your footsteps
give rain the courage to run,
let the wind awaken the muscles of its movement.
Young people,
the fragrance of your shared diligence
lets the earth give birth to love,
lets light unfold its peaceful and healthy dawn.
Quickly, carry with you the songs reflected from your eyes—
the gentleness most capable of saving this world.
A gentle, worn heart
once again faces a magnificent chorus.
If I turn back to look at you once more,
loving you quietly,
please slow your footsteps a little —
but the young summer may not listen.
Cathy Xinman writes poetry in English and Chinese. Find her English-language collection, Where You Love Yourself, on Amazon. You can also hear her poetry on her TikTok page.
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