I WISH I were old now,
And maybe content;
I'd look back the long way
My footsteps were bent,
And say, ''Tis all done now–
What odds how it went?'

For all would look smooth then
And most would look gay,
And 'Oh, I was sure then,
And strong then,' I'd say,
And show the wild young things
My wise-traveled way.

I'd have naught to strive for
And no thought to form
But how to rest easy
And how to sleep warm,
And 'Pity the poor souls
Abroad in the storm!'

I wish I were old now
With living put by,
And peace on the hearthstone
And peace in the sky,
But– 'Oh, to be young now,
But young now!' they cry!