Cheating Death-2 Poem by Nabakishore Dash

Let us take for granted that scientists
can prolong life from hundred
to two hundred years and gradually
be able to make man immortal,
which phase
would be our preference;
Infancy, young or old?

Infancy and old age,
as per my experience and understanding,
would be preferred by only
a very small fraction.
Almost all would go for young phase
as the ancient Indian polymath Chanakya said
'The World's biggest power is the youth
and beauty of a woman.'

When all are young and energetic
a collosal problem of massive food shortage
would be brought forth,
Malthusian Theory says
that population increases in geometrical
progression while resources increase
in arithmetic progression on earth.

This would result in calamity,
disease, famine and war,
unless reproduction is restricted
betterment would be afar.

Preference for old age is very
remote as one's health
is poor, requires constant care.
Xenotransplantation of a genetically
modified pig heart in David Bennett
only elongated his suffering,
he succumbed to death without cure.

Prolonging old age would only
multiply the problems that every one
feels and knows.
Let us discard such a liking,
young age is most preferred presuppose.

Imagine a world full of either children
or young men or old.
One can visualize even now whether
such a step is wiser and bold.

We can be immortal
even when our physical bodies die
Hands that help, hearts that love
and minds that dignifies the thoughts
are attributes to try and rely.