Youth that rides the wildest horse, <br /> Youth that throws the deadliest steer, <br />Spending strength without remorse, <br /> Grappling with the ghosts of fear, <br />Knows it only holds to-day <br />All it freely flings away. <br /> <br />Youth that rides a race with Death <br /> When the frightened cattle break, <br />Living in the moment’s breath, <br /> Risking all for honour’s sake, <br />Lightly knows it holds in fee <br />Life and immortality. <br /> <br />Age that rides the spavined grey, <br /> Age that seeks the safest track, <br />Scenting perils by the way, <br /> Dreaming of the journey back, <br />Leaves behind it all the truth <br />Known to the wild heart of youth.<br /><br />Vance Palmer<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/youth-and-age-3/
