O’ Youth! How I loath to see you go, leaping steadily into the past.
Can it be you have gone so quickly? How can I make you last?
So much did I seek. So much did I desire.
How quickly you are gone, that burning youthful fire.
Why do I find no pleasure in the years gone past?
O’ Youth, why must you depart, leaving me so fast?
O’ Youth, can you stay with me another day?
If not, someday will you return my way?
Sweet impatient youth, why must you leave, when I’ve only just begun?
O’ Youth, why must you turn from me and run?
Must so soon you go, leaving me this way?
Can you not stay for just another day?
O’ creeping mantle of wisdom that comes with age,
Why does your presence fill me so with rage?
O’ Youth, if you’re so impatient, foolish, and brash,
Why do I cling to you as you begin to pass?
O’ Age, if you’re so patient, wise, and worthy, why do I dread your day?
Why can’t I accept your mantle and be along my way?
Somehow, I feel no different, but it is a feeling untrue,
For feelings aren’t enough, and youth has slipped away. &