Sol 5.6

  1. You remember when you were a tender, supple bough,

    clothed in beauty’s fresh new robe;

  2. the radiance of beauty mingled in your face

    with the freshness of youth, yet unclouded by gray;

  3. when you walked, swaying proudly in your mantle,

    your figure ever-changing in fresh loveliness.

  4. You were an uncut bough of the ben tree;

    afterward, you are a bough indeed—but a bare one.

  5. Now pleasure’s vanguard is covered in dust,

    its face begrimed, defeated and despoiled.

  6. Take your share of the joys of youth,

    for an old man has no share of joy.

Sol 5.6