Old men measure every step,
Young men take great strides.
Old men guard the battlements,
While young men wait outside.

Old men weigh each consequence,
Young men scorn the odds.
Old men court the devil they know,
The young create new Gods.

Old men count each grain of sand,
Young men count the stars.
Old men wait for freedoms bell,
While young men break the bars.

Old men fight to stem the tide,
Young men launch the boats.
Old men tie themselves to rocks,
Young men cut the ropes.

Old men fear the final step,
Young men jeer the sight.
Old men keep the flames alive,
While young men face the night.