Viridity

Though unlived ages defter poets shall bring, And blur all rhymes woven in my barren span; May young pupil-scribes with like relish savor These yellowing tropes as sworn zealots can. Despite the flurrying crop of many sharper wits, Let new apprentices of fine art read these lines; And gratefully gain inspiration from olden writs, Fresh as dateless gems in death-hidden mines. And should new vibes rather greatly outshine This dusty craft and they still dissatisfied pine, Abiding honor for founding feats will here keep Future pliant eyes that for fallen warriors weep. Not for incurable want of well-winding nuance May youth disdain this tart ink ten eons hence. Think of all gone generations' fluids of the vine: Piling time betters stale rhyme like bottled wine! Muse forbid that future versifiers should deem These musings an exaggerated antique dream.