Have you been young?

The voice asks dreamily, “Have you been young?”
“Yes”, I nod..
“I have earned my scars
I have let love burn me down
and ambition wear me out…
pursued not one, but many a foolish dream
fought injustice with unequivocal screams..”

“Yes!”, I smile, “I have been young”
“And then?” the voice teases..

“Well…” I look for words..
“Give me still, a bottle to drown my fears
Or a bunch of friends, who shout down this
heart’s mad thumpin’ with their cheers…”

“The end of youth is when fears
become stronger than desires”

So declares the voice, and turns gently to me,
“So tell me when have you last been young and free?”