Works in the Herald 1930
THE END OF YOUTH

"Too much has been spent on pictures, parties, and having a good time. Such spending is insane." Mr. A.L. Gibson, of the State Savings Bank, on Australia's economic position.

Ah, well, it was a good time while it lasted;
   But youth and hectic pleasures never last.
'Tis tragedy when manhood's years are blasted
   By stretching youthful folly, with youth past.
To youth, or nation, come the years of testing
   The vital years that shall produce the sage
Or leave the fool to fall still protesing
   That folly graces age.

Youth's vain extravagance gains toleration
   Since youth was ever just a little mad;
But woe must come at last to man or nation
   When weak maturity would ape the lad.
Here is not time for grief or vain regretting,
   For "if" or "might have been," for futile sighs.
Life holds great things for them who, youth forgetting,
   Look forward with clear eyes.

"Den"
Herald, 28 March 1930, p6

Copyright © Perry Middlemiss 2004