Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WHEN I WAS YOUNG, by IRMA TIBBETTS ANDREWS



Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WHEN I WAS YOUNG, by                    
First Line: When I was young, I said I'd never grow
Last Line: Like this pressed flower that knew a summer's sun.
Subject(s): Aging


When I was young, I said I'd never grow
Too fond of life, that I would never keep
A thing beyond its use ... but gaily throw
It far away when I was done. No sleep
To lose for loss of it. No tears to shed ...
No sudden wrench of pain would I endure
Nor suffer pangs of parting's grief. Instead
By cool detachment I'd become secure.
Ah yes ... when I was young. But now I'm old
Enough to understand life's pattern clear
And know that empty hands will strive to hold
Fast-fading glory close, by keepsakes dear.
Mementos that but speak to only one,
Like this pressed flower that knew a summer's sun.





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