Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By St. GeorgeTucker

18 Days of My Youth

DAYS of my youth,

Ye have glided away;

Hairs of my youth,

Ye are frosted and gray;

Eyes of my youth,

Your keen sight is no more;

Cheeks of my youth,

Ye are furrowed all o’er;

Strength of my youth,

All your vigor is gone;

Thoughts of my youth,

Your gay visions are flown.

Days of my youth,

I wish not your recall;

Hairs of my youth,

I ’m content ye should fall;

Eyes of my youth,

You much evil have seen;

Cheeks of my youth,

Bathed in tears have you been;

Thoughts of my youth,

You have led me astray;

Strength of my youth,

Why lament your decay?

Days of my age,

Ye will shortly be past;

Pains of my age,

Yet awhile ye can last;

Joys of my age,

In true wisdom delight;

Eyes of my age,

Be religion your light;

Thoughts of my age,

Dread ye not the cold sod;

Hopes of my age,

Be ye fixed on your God.