168 . Youth and Age

YOUTH that rides the wildest horse,

Youth that throws the deadliest steer,

Spending strength without remorse,

Grappling with the ghosts of fear,

Knows it only holds to-day

All it freely flings away.

Youth that rides a race with Death

When the frightened cattle break,

Living in the moment’s breath,

Risking all for honour’s sake,

Lightly knows it holds in fee

Life and immortality.

Age that rides the spavined grey,

Age that seeks the safest track,

Scenting perils by the way,

Dreaming of the journey back,

Leaves behind it all the truth

Known to the wild heart of youth.