Young and Old

"The Veteran"

by Dorothy Parker

When I was young and bold and strong,
Oh, right was right, and wrong was wrong! 
My plume on high, my flag unfurled,
I rode away to right the world.
"Come out, you dogs, and fight!'' said I,
And wept there was but once to die.

But I am old; and good and bad
Are woven in a crazy plaid.
I sit and say, "The world is so;
And he is wise who lets it go.
A battle lost, a battle won--
The difference is small, my son.''

Inertia rides and riddles me;
The which is called Philosophy.