you’re younger yet and life holds full its promise
and I would not deny you all its claims
nor ever harness hopes or all that they hold
nor ever seek to squash the fire that calls your name
and I would not withhold from you each wishbone
that comes your way, upon which you may dream
nor burden you with harsher truths that years taught
I’d never blot the landscape of young life or all it seems
I have no aspirations to encumber the joy you know
for I, too, once believed the dreams you cherish and you hold
I once believed that all I sought was there for ripest taking
if I were, like you, courageous and so bold
I’d never take away your youth nor hope diminish
by word or deed, the dreams we share, though altered, still unchanged
I cannot be the one who says the no to
life’s expansion, growth, by any name
life takes on a new form and I’d never challenge spirit
younger years, exuberance that dares
I’d only caution prudence, observation
as you climb the unknown, always have a care
as you go along the ridges, meet the strangers
hold within some doubt, please think of this
that somewhere, on the dark of all horizons
is the love that once betrayed with tender kiss
you’re younger yet and, out there, there are traitors
beware but still believe that life is fine
I’m older, always here if you’re discouraged
one flight away, one thought to keep in mind
