The Grey Eros

 WE are desert leagues apart;
 Time is misty ages now
Since the warmth of heart to heart
 Chased the shadows from my brow.


Oh, I am so old, meseems
 I am next of kin to Time,
The historian of her dreams
 From the long-forgotten prime.


You have come a path of flowers.
 What a way was mine to roam!
Many a fallen empire’s towers,
 Many a ruined heart my home.


No, there is no comfort, none.
 All the dewy tender breath
Idly falls when life is done
 On the starless brow of death.


Though the dream of love may tire,
 In the ages long agone
There were ruby hearts of fire—
 Ah, the daughters of the dawn!


Though I am so feeble now,
 I remember when our pride
Could not to the Mighty bow;
 We would sweep His stars aside.


Mix thy youth with thoughts like those—
 It were but to wither thee,
But to graft the youthful rose
 On the old and flowerless tree.


Age is no more near than youth
 To the sceptre and the crown.
Vain the wisdom, vain the truth;
 Do not lay thy rapture down.

Form: Quatrain Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace