Classic Poem

Pardon if I ravel rhyme
Out of my head disorderly!
Forgetting how the rats of time
Are nibbling at the bones of me!
But while upon my legs I'm free
Out in the sunlight I intend
To dine with God prodigiously:
Youth is a splendid thing to spend!

Here's to the man who travels still
In the light of young discoveries!
Here's to the fellow of lusty will,
Who drives along and hardly sees
For glamor of great realities
The doom of age! This line I send
To all who sing hot litanies:
Youth is a splendid thing to spend!

But 'tis not all a matter of years:
'Tis a way of living handily
In a game with Life, while yet appears
A glory near of victory;
With ventures high, and gallantry
Twinkling 'round the nearest bend
Where damsels and fine dangers be:
Youth is a splendid thing to spend!

Fellows, come and ride with me
Swiftly now to the edge of the end,
Holding the Stars of Joy in fee!—
Youth is a splendid thing to spend!