Paired Regret

The breath of youth will wisp what cannot be:
Tomorrow won't admit the fluff of dreams.
I counseled him to budget energy,
And portion strength amongst what can be seen.
"Don't play the scheming general unprepared:
Imbalance is the corpse of groundless raids.
Yet strike en masse where weakness rips and tears,
Then press and seize the fortunes of the brave.
Persistence is contentment run amok:
Time bleeds ambition's strength upon its birth.
Resistance is contentment bound to love:
It only rules a region small with mirth."
My younger self conceded I had won,
And never saw the shame I have become.