When I watch the youth,
Abustle and ahustle,
Launching themselves
To unknown lands,
To unknown peoples,
To discovery and adventure
And perhaps undiscovered friends:
Careless of the future,
Chasing Eros
And the gods of mirth
And happiness,
And not worrying
About tomorrow’s meal
Nor tomorrow’s shelter
I feel like
The last passenger
On the last train
To the last destination.
But,
Unlike Tithonus,
Desired by an immortal goddess,
Aphrodite beautiful,
Begged for immortality,
I am blessed
With the gift
Of death.
Tokyo, 1998