Get Your Premium Membership

When You Are Young

...dedicated to W.B. Yeats, in response to his poem 'When You Are Old' When you are young sweet innocence abounds, your step is gentle, all your dreams are free of grim disquietude, such joy you see as gaily you discharge your daily rounds. Your heart is light, bereft of grave concern that troubles him whose purity is lost, who argues and contends at any cost, who complicates and twists at every turn. Simplicity must be your cornerstone, strengthen your heart against all sorts of strife that undermine a childlike view of life, strive and prevail, lest innocence be gone!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2012




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 5/29/2012 5:34:00 PM
So nice Keith to find inspiration from poets of old. I do this too and just love most of what I read. Nice to be young but don't know if I would want to do it all again in today's world Wonder if you would!
Login to Reply
Date: 4/24/2012 11:10:00 AM
Hey Keith! You've given a facelift to "Yeats" poem! I like yours more...(but he won't know.:) The rhyme scheme doesn't detract from your flowing thoughts. Enjoyed this very much!!! Best wishes, love, Mikki
Login to Reply

Book: Reflection on the Important Things