Yes, keep "old." In addition to the other reasons given, I like how that first sentence lands on how a child might put it. For me, its simplicity in that sense contrasts nicely with the more ornate, poetic "grey leaf-light." It made me look at "died for want" again (thought of something like "died wanting" instead), but, nah. I don't think any changes are necessary. At least nothing I can see now.
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