Another Gerontion

(Written in the 1960s)

I have landed the present, hooked from fresh waters,
And we pant together after the struggle.
I have lived through dusty years to reach this moment.
Though I am very old, this is a birthday;
My faded eyes blink at green air that sprouts around me.
I understand: in that I did not, and still do not, comprehend.
I had made crafty answers, before I found my questions -
so the unsuspected tomorrow havocked my days.
I recall, when we were young and wise,
Meeting my guardian devil in the thought -all one needs to know
is the right answer.
Living on that assumption, my days rotted around me.
I looked always ahead,
and forgot the time festering beneath my tongue.
I did not notice since my days passed in busy living,
How much I was deceived.
In my long age, I find my shadow has grown shorter than in youth.
I do not need an answer any more.