The Home Circle by Oliver Wendell Holmes

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 28, 1884

The Home Circle.

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

THE OLD MAN'S DREAM.

OH, for one hour of youthful joy! Give back my twentieth spring; I'd rather laugh a bright-eyed boy Than reign a gray-haired king.

Off with the wrinkled spoils of age, Away with learning's crown; Tear out life's wisdom-written page, And dash its trophies down.

One moment let my life-blood stream From boyhood's fount of flame; Give me one giddy, realing dream Of life, all love and fame.

My list'ning angel heard the prayer, And calmly smiling said: "If I but touch thy silvered hair Thy hasty wish hath sped.

"But is there nothing in thy track To bid thee fondly stay, While the swift seasons hurry back To find the wished-for day?"

Ah, truest, best of womankind, Without thee what were life! One bliss I cannot leave behind; I'll take—my precious—wife.

The angel took a sapphire pen, And wrote with morning dew: "The man would be a boy again, And be a husband, too.

"And is there nothing left unsaid, Before the change appears? Remember all those gifts have fled With the revolving years."

Yes, for memory would recall My fond paternal joys; I could not bear to lose them all; I'll take—my girls—and boys.

The smiling angel dropped his pen— "Why, this will never do, The man would be a boy again, And be a father, too."

And so I laughed,—my laugh awoke The household with its noise,— And wrote my dream when morning broke, To please the gray-haired boys. —Oliver Wendell Holmes.