The Old Road to Paradise/Song: I Wish I Were Old Now

by Margaret Widdemer

SONG: I WISH I WERE OLD NOW

I wish I were old now,  And maybe content; I'd look back the long way  My footsteps were bent, And say, "'Tis all done now— What odds how it went?"

For all would look smooth then  And most would look gay, And "Oh, I was sure then,  And strong then," I'd say, And show the wild young things  My wise-traveled way.

I'd have naught to strive for  And no thought to form But how to rest easy  And how to sleep warm, And "Pity the poor souls  Abroad in the storm!"

I wish I were old now  With living put by, And peace on the hearthstone  And peace in the sky, But—"Oh, to be young now, But young now!" they cry!