"Too much has been spent on pictures, parties, and having a good time. Such spending is insane." Mr. A.L. Gibson, of the State Savings Bank, on Australia's economic position.
Ah, well, it was a good time while it lasted;
But youth and hectic pleasures never last.
'Tis tragedy when manhood's years are blasted
By stretching youthful folly, with youth past.
To youth, or nation, come the years of testing
The vital years that shall produce the sage
Or leave the fool to fall still protesting
That folly graces age.
Youth's vain extravagance gains toleration
Since youth was ever just a little mad;
But woe must come at last to man or nation
When weak maturity would ape the lad.
Here is not time for grief or vain regretting,
For "if" or "might have been," for futile sighs.
Life holds great things for them who, youth forgetting,
Look forward with clear eyes.
First published in The Herald, 28 March 1930
Author reference sites: C.J. Dennis, Austlit, Australian Dictionary of Biography, Australian Poetry Library
See also.
