Simonides 12 I have put the actual poem in italicized font and my interpretation in regular font.
One thing the Chian poet said very will indeed:
" Like the generation of leaves is the generation of men."
Yet few among mortals who hear this with their ears 
lay it away in their hearts, for each man has Hope,
Hope which grows by nature in the hearts of the young. 
So long as a man possesses the much-desired flower of youth, 
his spirit is light and foolish, and he thinks to no purpose;
for he has no expectation of growing old or of dying, 
nor, while he is healthy, does he entertain thoughts of pain.
Childsh and vain are those who think thus and do not know
how brief is the time of youth and life
for mortals. But you, heed what I say as you move toward life's boundary:
stand firm in endurance, taking delight in all good things.

One thing Homer said exceptionally well was:
"Like the generation of leaves is the generation of men." ** didn't reword because it's Homer's quote
However, few people who hear this
commit it to themselves, for everyone has Hope.
Hope comes naturally to young people.
As long as a man is in his youth,
he remains carefree, and he does what ever he feels regardless of the desire.
for he doesn't think that aging, and death will happen to him,
similarly, he does not think of sickness when he is healthy.
People who think this way are childish and vain and do not know
how fleeting are youth and life.
But, heed by warning as you age:
always act accordingly and take pleasure in all the good things you can.


I only used Greek Lyric: An Anthology in Translation, Andrew w. Miller