Youth - An Inspirational Poem
Submitted by Robert C. Bryan
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Many years ago I received an investment firm's
newsletter with a poem called "Reflections" printed on the first page.
I saw within it a powerful message on the living of ones life. I printed
it, framed it, and it has been over my desk ever since. It has had
an immeasurable positive influence on keeping my thinking on the right
path. I also sent framed copies to my children.
A few years ago I read an article in the Lexington
Herald-Leader which explained the origin of the poem, and the influence
it has had on many people. It explained that Samuel Ullman, born in Germany
in 1840, came to this country as a boy, fought in the Civil War and
plunged successfully into the hardware business and public service in Birmingham,
Alabama. And then, when he was in his late 60s, he started writing poetry.
One of his poems, titled simply "Youth", was
a great favorite of another American Soldier, Douglas MacArthur.
Also in his late 60s, he plunged vigorously into a second career and masterminded
the rebirth of Japan, keeping a copy of "Youth", permanently displayed
over his desk.
The article stated that the Japanese were
intrigued by this simple poem, as well as by MacArthur and his Western
ideas. Leading executives and political leaders still carry copies.
The poem titled "Reflections" is the same poem "Youth" written by Samuel
Ullman, although, for some reason, a few minor changes were made in the
working.
Reflections
Youth is not a time of life; It is a state of mind. It is not a matter of rosy cheeks, red lips and supple knees; it is a matter of the will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the deep springs of life.
Youth means the predominance of courage over timidity, of adventure over the love of ease. This often exists in a man of sixty more than in a boy of twenty. Nobody grows old merely by a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals.
Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, doubt, self-distrust, fear and despair---these bow the heart and turn the spirit to dust.
Whether sixty or sixteen, there is in every human being's heart the love of wonder, the sweet amazement at the stars and the starlight things, the undaunted challenge of events, the unfailing child-like appetite for what-next, and the joy of the game of living.
You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair.