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 2016

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Makama Avatar
May 12, 2016 at 11:05 AM
Straight from the heart with a cleanser for the mind. A powerful seven and an absolute wonder.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 12, 2016 at 11:12 AM
Many thanks Funom... I am most grateful for your kind remarks. Best wishes, Keith
Stebbings Avatar
May 9, 2016 at 5:18 PM
Very good Keith. Agree with you completely.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 9, 2016 at 6:31 PM
Many thanks Barry! Best wishes, Keith
Inman Avatar
May 9, 2016 at 7:29 AM
Lovely
Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 9, 2016 at 5:05 PM
Thanks James! Best wishes, Keith
Vaso Avatar
May 7, 2016 at 6:36 PM
You inspire me with such talent, a beautiful poem Keith.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 9, 2016 at 5:03 PM
Many thanks Arthur. You know how much I am uplifted by your work. Best wishes, Keith
Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 7, 2016 at 11:16 AM
How right you are! Thanks for a superb review... Best wishes, Keith
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