Classic Poem

(Acrostic)

Though Age, at last, cannot be kept at bay,
Him have I long outdistanced — ay, and long
Evaded, and delayed with lively song,
Cheer, and bright story, dropped along the way,
Even as the wolf's retarded from the sleigh.
Not many winters shall I lag among
The " well-preserved " — almost as good as young —
Until I join the dog that's had his day.

Reserve, O C ENTURY , for that late hour
Your flaming hearth where Friendship's fervent speech
Catches from wit to wit with kindling power.
Long let us linger, clinging each to each,
Until the coming of the Silent Breach
Be gentle as the falling of a flower.