Hah

The Joy of Today

Speak not to me of death as joy's own blissful state, Nor sketch for me the sacred wine's celestial fate.

For pining Houris, do not bid me grieve and pine, Nor seek to trap a nymph in words of crystal shine.

Do not enchant me with the beauteous Saqi's grace, Nor speak of Houris, nor of Salsabil's famed place.

That Paradise is peace, I offer no debate, But for the soul of Youth, your message comes too late.

Ah, Youth! How long can it in hopeful longing burn? That joy is no true joy for which we wait and yearn.

What beauty needs a practiced eye to see its worth, Or waits upon the morrow to be brought to birth?

How strange and wondrous is this very pulse of life! For Youth's one creed is 'The Joy of Today,' beyond all strife.