Young and Old
By John Herlihy

Being old is no different from being young,
The years framed are from heaven spun.
Even as polar opposites in life’s spectrum,
Each enjoys the blessing of divine protection.
No doubt, a child sees every day as the first,
The old still suffer from an unquenchable thirst.
In our youth, every day offered the new to learn,
In old age, what the day offers we never spurn.
Youth’s innocence perceives everything as fresh
Age’s wisdom sees all things still budding afresh.
The young may capture a glimpse of life when old,
The old may rest content in their story finally told.
What youth has to offer gives sparkle to the day,
What age has to offer can never be taken away.