(16th January 1949) <br /> <br />I thank whatever gods may be <br />For all the happiness that's mine; <br />That I am festive, fit and free <br />To savour women, wit and wine; <br />That I may game of golf enjoy, <br />And have a formidable drive: <br />In short, that I'm a gay old boy <br />Though I be <br /> Seventy-and-five. <br /> <br />My daughter thinks. because I'm old <br />(I'm not a crock, when all is said), <br />I mustn't let my feet get cold, <br />And should wear woollen socks in bed; <br />A worsted night-cap too, forsooth! <br />To humour her I won't contrive: <br />A man is in his second youth <br />When he is <br /> Seventy-and-five. <br /> <br />At four-score years old age begins, <br />And not till then, I warn my wife; <br />At eighty I'll recant my sins, <br />And live a staid and sober life. <br />But meantime let me whoop it up, <br />And tell the world that I'm alive: <br />Fill to the brim the bubbly cup - <br />Here's health to <br /> Seventy-and-five!<br /><br />Robert William Service<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/birthday-2/
