A dying man's lament of his lost youth.

If you'll teach me how to tempt a smile,
I'll teach you how to love.
Whisper sweet words to calm you, while,
we soar to heaven above.

Take the sadness from my world,
and let me see the sun.
A tapestry of stars unfurled,
I'll give you every one.

A raindrop on your cheek I'll place,
As though it were a tear.
Then kiss it off your lovely face,
but take away my fear.

I'll bring you orchids from far lands,
and place them at your feet.
Then use the magic in your hands
to turn my sour life sweet.

This old and empty man you see,
whose zest and youth has gone.
Whose eyes saw brightness, joy and glee,
now see the setting sun.

A man this old has learned the needs,
and all a girls desires.
How to propagate the seeds,
and how to stoke the fires.

But ladies now want only youth,
their fumbling boisterous ways.
My life was often as uncouth,
throughout those halcyon days.

The gentle passion in my soul,
the love I can convey.
Have come too late, the bells now toll,
for me this last, dark day.