lying in the shade of a stately oak,

who watched a gray haired man

jog briskly past him every day.

"Foolish old man,

you've already lived your life;

why don't you stay home

and spend the rest of your days

in peace."

The old man slowed

and turned his head toward

the youth whom he had often seen

sleeping where he lay.

"Foolish young man,

you've not yet lived your life;

why don't you get on your feet

and spend the rest of your days

in paradise."

young in years,

are old before they are.

And there also are those

for whom age is just

a state of mind.

Better that we rejoice

with young spirits,

and become masters of our soul,

Than give up

our bodies willingly

to an early dust.