How to Be Old
by May Swenson
It is easy to beyoung, (Everybody is,
at first.) It isnot easy
to be old. Ittakes time.
Youth is given;age is achieved.
One must work amagic to mix with time
in order to becomeold.
Youth is given.One must put it away
like a doll in acloset,
take it out andplay with it only
on holidays. Onemust have many dresses
and dress the dollimpeccably
(but not to showthe doll, to keep it hidden.)
It is necessary toadore the doll,
to remember it inthe dark on the ordinary
days, and everyday congratulate
one's aging facein the mirror.
In time one willbe very old.
In time, one'slife will be accomplished.
And in time, intime, the doll––
like new, thoughancient––will be found.