If I had youth I'd bid the world to try me; <br />I'd answer every challenge to my will. <br />Though mountains stood in silence to defy me, <br />I'd try to make them subject to my skill. <br />I'd keep my dreams and follow where they led me; <br />I'd glory in the hazards which abound. <br />I'd eat the simple fare privations fed me, <br />And gladly make my couch upon the ground. <br />If I had youth I'd ask no odds of distance, <br />Nor wish to tread the known and level ways. <br />I'd want to meet and master strong resistance, <br />And in a worth-while struggle spend my days. <br />I'd seek the task which calls for full endeavor; <br />I'd feel the thrill of battle in my veins. <br />I'd bear my burden gallantly, and never <br />Desert the hills to walk on common plains. <br />If I had youth no thought of failure lurking <br />Beyond to-morrow's dawn should fright my soul. <br />Let failure strike—it still should find me working <br />With faith that I should some day reach my goal. <br />I'd dice with danger—aye!—and glory in it; <br />I'd make high stakes the purpose of my throw. <br />I'd risk for much, and should I fail to win it, <br />I would not even whimper at the blow. <br />If I had youth no chains of fear should bind me; <br />I'd brave the heights which older men must shun. <br />I'd leave the well-worn lanes of life behind me, <br />And seek to do what men have never done. <br />Rich prizes wait for those who do not waver; <br />The world needs men to battle for the truth. <br />It calls each hour for stronger hearts and braver. <br />This is the age for those who still have youth!<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/youth-81/
