How Life Seems at Forty

The world has changed^___or is it I?^___
Since twenty years ago.
Some lowly things are lifted high.
Some high things are brought low.

Some aims I once thought worth pursuing
Today I disavow;
Some things I once was fond of doing
Are tasteless to me now.

I spurn the praise of certain folks
Whose praise I fondly sought;
I see no fun in certain jokes
That once were prime, I thought.

I have no use for certain facts
That then I highly prized;
I find no good in certain acts
I then with zest advised.

Our college boys have younger looks^___
At least, so I surmise^___
And know far less of learned hooks,
And are not half so wise.

Quite young is forty now for men.
Though once "twas old as sin":
And what would be a bald head then,
Is now "hair somewhat thin".

I see one pretty girl, these years,
Where once I saw a score
And many a former sage appears,
Today, but just a bore.

There once was time for sport, so dear,
So joyous to the soul;
But shortened is each recent year,
And work employs the whole.

Ten thousand was a princely store,
A fortune for a count;
A hundred thousand now, and more,
Is but a small amount.

Ah, this old world has changed throughout
While twenty years have flown;^___
The world or I^___but who can doubt
That I have held my own?

^___John Edward Everett