Old Age by Edgar A Guest

OLD AGE by Edgar A. Guest

"I used to think that growing old was reckoned just in years, But who can name the very date when weariness appears? I find no stated time when man/woman obedient to a law, Must settle in an easy chair & from the world withdraw. Old Age is rather curious, or so it seems to me. I know old men/women at 40 & young men/women at 73. I'm done with counting life by years or temples turning gray. No man/woman is old who wakes with joy to greet another day. What if the body cannot dance with youth's elastic spring? There's many a vibrant interest to which the mind can cling. Tis in the spirit Age must dwell, or this would never be: I know old men/women at 40 & young men/women at 73. Some men/women keep all their friendships warm, & welcome friendships new, They have no time to sit & mourn the things they used to do. This changing world they greet with joy & never bow to fate; On every fresh adventure they set out with hearts elate. From chilling fear & bitter dread they keep their spirits free, While some seem old at 40 they stay young at 73. So much to do, so much to learn, so much in which to share! With twinkling eyes & minds alert some brave both time & care. And this I've learned from other men/women, that only they are old Who think with something that has passed the tale of life is told."