What does an 18th century British poet have to say to 21st century Bosnia? “Full many a flower is born to blush unseen / and wastes its sweetness on the desert air,” (55-56) verse by Thomas Gray in “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” lead me to reflect on the present situation here. To be specific, I am concerned about my generation, one whose talents may go unrealized because studies were disrupted and because our society has not yet recovered from war.

Though it began in April ’92, we carried on with classes. I managed to pass Matura in ’93 despite the siege and enter Filozofski fakultet the following autumn. I can never forget how Prof. Radeljkovi? discussed the development of 17th century England while the world around us was falling apart. He defied the bombs by keeping his composure and concentration. We appreciated the distraction. Eventually, however, in my second year, the university was closed. It became too dangerous to attend.

The exigencies of life demanded that many of us get jobs or go abroad. It’s only now that we can pursue our professional training. The discipline of study is a considerable adjustment. We 25-year-olds are among 21-year-olds in lectures. Their reading in subjects is more recent than ours.

Moreover, in this post-war period, the infrastructure remains to be re-developed. Unemployment is more than 50%. Although there has been investment for industry, there has been embezzlement. We have to acknowledge corruption on the government level. This is demoralizing and puts our future at risk.

Perhaps my generation’s greatest duty now is not to allow ourselves cynicism but to support people of integrity in the upcoming elections. Even if we don’t get the best results, we mustn’t be discouraged. We must continue to discuss the issues and educate the public about our vision of a society that can flourish. We need to hear Gray’s warning. Our country cannot afford to waste its flowers.

Work Cited

Gray, Thomas. “Elegy in a Country Church-Yard.” Poems Wadsworth Handbook and Anthology. Ed. C.F. Main and Peter J. Sang. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Co., Inc., 1969. 355.