Classic Poem

You're making a mistake , he said:
When it's too late, you'll realise
I looked into his quiet eyes,
And shook my head.

He was so old — he seemed too old
Even to try to understand;
And as I took his trembling hand,
It left me cold.

Yet he was right. And now my plan
Has failed, too late I realise
The meaning in the quiet eyes
Of that old man.