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Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Searching... Subject: AGING Matches Found: 1171 UPDATE command denied to user 'poetryex_users'@'localhost' for table `poetryex_poems`.`subcnt` 1941, by BARBARA M. SIMON Poem Source First Line: In her best brown suit Last Line: And mother still waiting %for the music to begin Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women 25TH HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, by LINDA PASTAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We come to hear the endings Subject(s): Reunions; Aging 27 YEARS, by ROQUE DALTON Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is a serious thing Subject(s): Mortality; Aging 30S IN THE KINGDOM OF NECESSITY, by ASKOLD SKALSKY Poem Source First Line: We are coming to terms %with what has been revealed Last Line: Then add to it six zeroes Subject(s): Aging; Mankind 40, by PAUL MONETTE Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: Oh boy oh boy four years to go before Last Line: If we sail at all hey 40's kid stuff Subject(s): Aging; Aids (disease); Middle Age; Sickness 45, I GIVE UP MY IDENTITY, by JEROME ROTHENBERG Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My name is smaller Subject(s): Aging 61 AND 2/3, by JOHN UPDIKE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How many more I must ask myself Subject(s): Aging A BIRTHDAY, by LOUIS UNTERMEYER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Again I come / with my handful of song Last Line: You who have soothed me with passion and roused me with passionate peace. Alternate Author Name(s): Lewis, Michael Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays; Happiness; Singing & Singers; Time; Joy; Delight A COURTESAN'S BIRTHDAY, by ROBERT AVRETT Poem Text First Line: Marie, hand me a mirror; I must look Last Line: Who knows the profit that tonight may bring? Subject(s): Aging A DREAM OF FIFTY, by GREGORY ORR Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Among all the losses, this was immense Last Line: Wind pressing leaves against a grid of fence. Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays; Dreams; Future; Life; Loss; Nightmares A FAREWELL, by NORMAN ROWLAND GALE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Good-bye, little maid Last Line: You're too old for my knee! Subject(s): Aging; Temptation A GAME OF FIVES, by CHARLES LUTWIDGE DODGSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Five little girls, of five, four, three, two, one Last Line: "the answer to that ancient problem ""how the money goes!" Alternate Author Name(s): Carroll, Lewis Subject(s): Aging; Girls; Man-woman Relationships; Marriage; Women; Male-female Relations; Weddings; Husbands; Wives A GENESIS TEXT FOR LARRY LEVIS, WHO DIED ALONE, by NORMAN DUBIE Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: It will always happen -- the death of a friend Last Line: But where was that woman and her snake when we needed them? Subject(s): Aging; Death; Friendship; Levis, Larry (1946-1996); Memory; Men; Dead, The A LETTER, by DONALD JUSTICE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You write that you are ill, confused. The trees Last Line: Ten years older, tame now, less mad, less beautiful Subject(s): Sickness; Aging; Illness A LETTER FROM A GIRL TO HER OWN OLD AGE, by ALICE MEYNELL Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Listen, and when thy hand this paper presses Last Line: With morning tears thy mournful twilight blesses. Alternate Author Name(s): Meynell, Wilfrid, Mrs.; Thompson, Alice Christina Subject(s): Aging A MAN OF FORTY, by WILLIAM STEWARD GORDON Poem Text First Line: I stood in childhood's narrow vale Last Line: On one of forty. Subject(s): Aging; Children; Maturity; Childhood A MINUET ON REACHING THE AGE OF FIFTY, by GEORGE SANTAYANA Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Old age, on tiptoe, lays her jewelled hand Last Line: And close our eyes, still smiling, on the dance. Subject(s): Aging; Middle Age A PETITION, by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To spring belongs the violet, and the blown Last Line: I beg you very gently break the news. Subject(s): Aging A REDOLENCE FOR NIMS, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O triple sob - turned forty Last Line: Back my heart alive. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Self-pity A SHROPSHIRE LAD: 13, by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I was one-and-twenty Last Line: And oh, 'tis true, 'tis true; Alternate Author Name(s): Housman, A. E. Variant Title(s): The Cost Of Love Subject(s): Aging; Grief; Innocence; Love; Sorrow; Sadness A SHROPSHIRE LAD: 2, by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Loveliest of trees, the cherry now Last Line: To see the cherry hung with snow. Alternate Author Name(s): Housman, A. E. Variant Title(s): Cherry Trees;loveliest Of Trees Subject(s): Aging; Carpe Diem; Cherries; Cherry Trees; Easter; Environment; Fruit; Holidays; Spring; Time; Trees; The Resurrection; Environmental Protection; Ecology; Conservation A SONG, by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I thought no more was needed / youth to prolong Last Line: That the heart grows old? Alternate Author Name(s): Yeats, W. B. Subject(s): Hearts; Aging A SONG IN THE AFTERNOON, by EDWARD ROWLAND SILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Come, and let's grow old Last Line: And let's grow old together! Alternate Author Name(s): Hedbrooke, Andrew Subject(s): Aging A SUNSET OF THE CITY, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Already I am no longer looked at with lechery or love. Subject(s): Aging; Family Life; Relatives A VISIT, by TOM SLEIGH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What she is waiting for never arrives Subject(s): Aging A WOMAN I KNEW, by ROSELLE MERCIER MONTGOMERY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I mind me of a woman that I knew Last Line: "I envy her!"" the pale drab woman said." Subject(s): Aging; Envy; Grief; Women; Sorrow; Sadness A WOMAN'S DREAM, by MARCELINE DESBORDES-VALMORE Poem Text First Line: Wilt thou begin thy life once more Last Line: "nay! Pitying saviour! Let me die." Subject(s): Aging; Time; Youth A WOMAN-GROWN, by VIRGINIA STAIT Poem Text First Line: In grief I would have cried out yesterday Last Line: A woman -- grown. Perhaps a woman old! Subject(s): Aging; Growth; Old Age; Women ABNEGATION, by KATHARINE BROWN BURT Poem Text First Line: Should wilding foot no more this woodpath follow Last Line: My heart long dead, grant body, too, may die! Subject(s): Aging; Life ABRASION, by BROOKE HORVATH Poem Source First Line: In the photograph, grandfather hammers risers. They are both perfectly Last Line: Softly raw Subject(s): Aging; Weariness ADDIE HALL., by JEANNE M. NICHOLS Poem Source Last Line: Ready for the spring thaw when next it came Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women ADOREE (ON READING BROWNING'S 'LAST RIDE TOGETHER'), by VIRGINIA WAINRIGHT Poem Text First Line: Onward we go to our destination Last Line: You with a smile, I with a tear? Subject(s): Aging; Browning, Robert (1812-1889); Poetry & Poets; Regret ADVICE TO COLONEL VALENTINE, by ROBERT RANKE GRAVES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To fall in love, though classically human Last Line: Even if a foolish girl, not yet full grown, %confronts you with a scarcely decent passion Subject(s): Aging; Love - Age Differences ADVICE TO SOPHRONIA, by MARY LEAPOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When youth and charms have taken their wanton flight Last Line: And bear her safely to her virgin grave. Subject(s): Aging; Spinsters; Old Maids AFFIRMATION, by DONALD HALL Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: To grow old is to lose everything Subject(s): Aging AFTER 65, by RICHARD HOWARD Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The tragedy, colette said, is that one Alternate Author Name(s): Howard, Joseph Variant Title(s): At 65 Subject(s): Aging AFTER FORTY YEARS, by PERCY STICKNEY GRANT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I have loved your face for many a year Last Line: Alas! -- adieu! Subject(s): Aging; Auctions; Portraits AFTER FORTY-FIVE YEARS OF MARRIAGE, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Fifteen thousand nine hundred twenty days Last Line: Then I'll have yet another time to sweep %the kitchen floor Subject(s): Aging AFTER GETTING DRUNK, I SCRIBBLE ... WRITTEN AS A JOKE, by LU YU (1125-1210) Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Head poking from vermilion tower, all eight directions cramped Last Line: Who says old age is so full of sorrow and woe? Alternate Author Name(s): Wu-kuan; Lu You Subject(s): Aging AFTER IKKYU: 5, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Time eats us alive Last Line: As a single cell in the old mud homestead. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging AFTER ROSH HASHANAH, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: The apples have turned Last Line: I hear the ram's horn Subject(s): Aging AFTER SIXTY, by MARILYN ZUCKERMAN Poem Source First Line: The sixth decade is coming to an end Last Line: Smoke pipes of wisdom %-- fly Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women AFTER THE GENTLE POET KOBAYASHI ISSA, by ROBERT HASS Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: In the saucepan Subject(s): Nature; Youth; Aging AFTERGLOW, by CHARLES GRANGER BLANDEN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I pray that time full many years may bring Last Line: And I the long decembers count by half. Subject(s): Aging; Singing & Singers; Spring; Time; Youth; Songs AFTERGLOW, by DONA WAYLAND Poem Text First Line: Great - grandma sat in her hickory chair Last Line: "that keeps us forever young." Subject(s): Aging AGAIN HE IS AN OLD MAN, by RONALD BAATZ Poem Source First Line: Thinking of Last Line: The %ravaged ones Subject(s): Aging; Malone, Marvin (d. 1996) AGE, by ANACREON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oft am I by the women told Last Line: And manage wisely the last stake. Alternate Author Name(s): Anakreon; Anacreontea Subject(s): Aging AGE, by ANACREON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Tho in pale whites my face appear Last Line: Chequ'ring anacreon with thee Alternate Author Name(s): Anakreon; Anacreontea Subject(s): Aging AGE, by ELAINE CLEVELAND Poem Source First Line: Gravity Last Line: Outwitted, %and out of luck! Subject(s): Aging; Death AGE, by CAROLINE CLIVE Poem Text First Line: While the day descends tonight Last Line: Which are wintry wither'd now. Alternate Author Name(s): V; Meysey-wigley, Caroline Subject(s): Aging AGE, by ROBERT CREELEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He is thinking of everyone Last Line: Talks and talks Subject(s): Aging AGE, by ROBERT CREELEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He is thinking of everyone Last Line: He thinks he'll hate it %and when he does die %at last, he supposes %he still won't know it Subject(s): Aging AGE, by CAROL HAMILTON Poem Source First Line: And I am older, having you in me Last Line: The place %where %again %darkness %is %light Subject(s): Aging; Life; Night AGE, by LETITIA ELIZABETH LANDON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Age is a dreary thing when left alone Last Line: The short dark pathway leading to the tomb. Alternate Author Name(s): L. E. L.; Maclean, Letitia Subject(s): Aging AGE, by PHILIP LARKIN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: My age fallen away like white swaddling Last Line: Or spoor of pads, or a bird's adept splay Subject(s): Aging AGE, by PHILIP LARKIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My age fallen away like white swaddling Last Line: To know what prints I leave, whether of feet, %or spoor of pads, or a bird's adept splay Subject(s): Aging AGE, by FREDERIC ROWLAND MARVIN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Then life grows cold Last Line: Light up the sky. Subject(s): Aging; Old Age AGE, by KAY RYAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As some people age Subject(s): Aging AGE AND YOUTH, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poem Text Poet Analysis First Line: The music's dull - I trust my ears Last Line: Has come from youth.' Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Aging AGE AND YOUTH, by GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: We have left our youth behind Last Line: What till then, oh, what till then? Alternate Author Name(s): A. E. Subject(s): Aging; Youth AGE COMES WHILE I'M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO SAY, by MARY ROSE BETTEN Poem Source Last Line: I'd forget who I was talking to Subject(s): Aging AGE INVADING, by ALINE MURRAY KILMER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I shall not run upstairs again Last Line: I turn my head lest you should see. Alternate Author Name(s): Kilmer, Joyce, Mrs. Subject(s): Aging AGEING OYSTER, by ALEXANDER SEAWARD Poem Source First Line: I am an ageing oyster %going bad inside Last Line: This oyster's not for eating, %- go nibble on a shrimp Subject(s): Aging; Oysters AGING, by RANDALL JARRELL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wake, but before I know it it is done Subject(s): Aging AGING, by RANDALL JARRELL Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wake, but before I know it it is done Subject(s): Aging AGING, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Aging is an agony Last Line: Were sullying her sight Subject(s): Aging AGING ON TWO DIFFERENT COASTS, by C. B. FOLLETT Poem Source First Line: Uncle is a vessel nearly empty Last Line: And we don't tell either %about the other Subject(s): Aging; Family Life AGING WOMAN SPEAKS OF THAW, by JEANNE EMMONS Poem Source First Line: Beneath the bright sky, the snow slumps Last Line: I am going to grow old Subject(s): Aging; Old Age AIR, by JOHN O'KEEFE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A flaxen-headed cow-boy, as simple as may be Last Line: You'll forget the little plough-boy that whistled o'er the lea. Alternate Author Name(s): O'keefe, John Subject(s): Aging; Children; Labor & Laborers; Trade; Childhood; Work; Workers ALL OF THIS, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The moist smell under the oleanders %water that has passed through pines Last Line: It can hold everything, even as I forget myself in it Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 ALL SOULS' NIGHT, by FRANCES CROFTS DARWIN CORNFORD Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My love came back to me Subject(s): Aging; Love ALL SOULS' NIGHT, by FRANCES CROFTS DARWIN CORNFORD Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My love came back to me Last Line: He did not think me strange or older, %nor I, him Subject(s): Aging; Love ALL THAT TIME, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: After the killing, tommy antrim Last Line: Assassinating his ears Subject(s): Aging; Insanity; Murder ALL THOSE YEARS, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Nickel-and-dime Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Nature; Time ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT., by TOM TICO Poem Source Last Line: The sound of foghorns Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women ALMOST AN ELEGY, by LINDA PASTAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You have always lived in the shadows cast Subject(s): Conduct Of Life; Change; Aging ALONE AT EIGHTY-FOUR, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: She roams her empty house Last Line: She is a death waiting %to be eulogized Subject(s): Aging ALONE IN AN INN AT SOUTHAMPTON, APRIL 25, 1737, by AARON HILL Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Twenty lost years have stolen their hours away Last Line: Or shun the healing hand of friendly death? Variant Title(s): A Retrospect Subject(s): Aging; Despair; Transience; Impermanence ALTER EGO, by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where is the boyish poet Last Line: His face against the east. Alternate Author Name(s): Dobson, Austin Subject(s): Aging; Self ALTERATION, by HAYDEN CARRUTH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You thought growing older Last Line: Of last night, even in sleep. Subject(s): Aging; Change; Life; Life Change Events ALTHOUGH I AM TAKING COURSES IN THE LANGUAGE, by PHYLLIS JANOWITZ Poem Source Subject(s): Aging ALTHOUGH SHE RARELY TRAVELED FARTHER THAN TOWN, by DIXIE LEE HENDERSON PARTRIDGE Poem Source First Line: The old woman is naming places Last Line: As though she has been there often %she has known it all of her life Subject(s): Aging; Names; Travel AMOROSA AND COMPANY, by CONRAD AIKEN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Well, there was still a sure hand, anyway, Last Line: And stared at red mirrored eyes. She was getting old Subject(s): Aging; Jealousy AN ANCIENT FEUD, by CALE YOUNG RICE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The young rack the old Last Line: One all to lose. Subject(s): Aging; Death; Fights; Youth; Dead, The AN ELEGY: TO AN OLD BEAUTY, by THOMAS PARNELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In vain, poor nymph, to please our youthful sight Last Line: He wrapped in wisdom, and they whirled by whim. Subject(s): Aging; Beauty AN ERASURE, by JANE BARLOW Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Charmed to most crystal stillness by a wand Last Line: To brood on—or such deft forgetfulness. Subject(s): Aging; Forgetfulness; Memory AN ODE OF ANACREON, by ANACREON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My hairs are hoary, wrinkled is my face Last Line: To clear our minds of such dull thoughts, let's drink. Alternate Author Name(s): Anakreon; Anacreontea Subject(s): Aging; Drinks & Drinking; Wine AN OLD HOUSE UNROOFED BY AN AUTUMN GALE, by TU FU Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The roof of my house has been blown away Last Line: Could such great blessing to the world be sent Alternate Author Name(s): Du Fu Subject(s): Aging; Nature AN OLD MAN TO AN OLD MADEIRA, by SILAS WEIR MITCHELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When first you trembled at my kiss Last Line: To other younger sinners. Subject(s): Aging; Kisses; Past; Youth AN OLD MAN'S ASPIRATION, by HORACE SMITH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O glorious sun! Whose car sublime Last Line: And mine old age attest its meliorating power! Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, Horatio Subject(s): Aging; Faith; Fate; Poetry & Poets; Youth; Belief; Creed; Destiny AN OUT-WORN SAPPHO, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How tired I am! I sink down all alone Last Line: Say simply: she was tired. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Aging; Time; Wandering & Wanderers; Weariness; Fatigue AND NOW YOU WANT TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING GOOD TO SAY..., by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: We aren't as self-centered as we used to Last Line: (along with the inability to tell %ourselves that %we'll keep playing forever) %a few compensations Subject(s): Aging ANNA, by ELISABETH MURAWSKI Poem Source First Line: Hands on her thickening waist Last Line: And white linoleum's design stands out %sharp beneath her old woman's shoes Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women ANOTHER LANGUAGE, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: It's beginning and Last Line: Everyone grows younger Subject(s): Aging ANOTHER NOTE TO THE YOUNG, by GREG KEITH Poem Source First Line: Change accumulates. My body, still tall, slows Last Line: Life's not what we think. It's what the body does. Surprise Subject(s): Aging ANOTHER YEAR COME, by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have nothing new to ask of you Alternate Author Name(s): Merwin, W. S. Subject(s): Aging; Holidays; New Year ANOTHER YEAR COME, by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have nothing new to ask of you Last Line: And the hands of the clock still knock without entering Alternate Author Name(s): Merwin, W. S. Subject(s): Aging; Holidays; New Year ANSWER TO AN OLD MAN'S PAEAN, by HORACE SMITH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Thou greybeard gay! Whose muse Last Line: Rice-milk, and water-gruel! Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, Horatio Subject(s): Aging; Love; Muses ANSWERING ADORNO, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Since you doomed poetry nothing has changed Last Line: Where shade and wind hold out against the sun Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 APPROACHING 50, by CHARLES HARPER WEBB Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I never thought we'd meet. Now here he is Last Line: Binoculars, maybe I'll see in the far distance %100, walking steadily toward me Variant Title(s): Approaching 4 Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays APRIL, by ALICE NOTLEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What if he doesn't like me Last Line: I'm there? Like some others can't? Subject(s): Aging APRIL 7, 1987 - MOM, DYING, by PEARL STEIN SELINSKY Poem Source First Line: Will they know Last Line: I wonder these last days %will anbody know Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women ARS POETICA 1, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Another day gone and not prepared for death Last Line: The light like a knife in the brain Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 ARS POETICA 2, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I can no longer abide the self-serious Last Line: Even if it is through the peacock's tail of our lies Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 ARS POETICA 3, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: We think we are talking to the others at our table Last Line: But they must be the right words Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 ARS POETICA BLUES, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The world %and its counterweight Last Line: Water. Says salt %says stone Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 AS I GREW OLDER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was a long time ago Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Aging; Negroes; American Blacks AS I GREW OLDER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was a long time ago Last Line: Into a thousand whirling dreams %of sun! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Aging AS I GROW OLD, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: God keep my heart attuned to laughter Last Line: As I grow old Subject(s): Aging;prayer AS I SIT IN THE SILENCE, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Many pleasures of youth have been buoyantly sung Last Line: As I sit in the silence and gaze in the fire. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Variant Title(s): Envoy Subject(s): Aging; Memory; Past; Silence; Youth ASHES INTHE ADIRONDACKS, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Mist rises up the sides Last Line: Leave as the last trace of mist %disappears Subject(s): Aging ASSISTED LIVING, by PETER MEINKE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Hunching at the adult center Last Line: To press our number Subject(s): Aging; Nursing Homes AT BICKFORD'S, by GERALD STERN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You should understand that I use my body now for everything Subject(s): Aging; Restaurants; Cafes; Diners AT BICKFORD'S, by GERALD STERN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You should understand that I use my body now for everything Last Line: I will sit and read in my chair; %I will wave from my window Subject(s): Aging; Restaurants AT EIGHT STEALING A MIRROR GLANCE, by LI SHANG-YIN Poem Source Last Line: At fifteen in the spring wind she cried, %under the swing, her face turned away Subject(s): Aging AT MY AGE, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Time to move faster? Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Nature; Time AT PENSION TIME; TO A.R.F., by AUSTIN PHILIPS Poem Text First Line: At pension time when, worn and grey Last Line: When we may rest—and pouch our pay—at pension time! Subject(s): Aging; Friendship; Old Age; Pensions; Time AT SAN GABRIEL MISSION, by JAMIE O'HALLORAN Poem Source First Line: My father's knee fails him into a wrong genuflection Last Line: Skewer the walls to keep it all standing Subject(s): Aging; Fathers; Missionaries And Missions AT SEVENTY-THREE, by JOHN LAWSON STODDARD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Well, let us face things as they are Last Line: For I am over seventy-three! Subject(s): Aging; Family Life; Life; Mankind; Tears; Youth; Relatives; Human Race AT THE END OF THE ROAD, by MADISON JULIUS CAWEIN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: This is the truth as I see it, my dear Last Line: Out in the wind and the rain. Subject(s): Aging; Freedom; Life; Marriage; Pleasure; Travel; Truth; Liberty; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Journeys; Trips AT THE OLD LADIES' HOME, by RUTH GUTHRIE HARDING Poem Text First Line: There in a row of chairs upon the porch Last Line: I change my prayer, and ask for strength to live. Alternate Author Name(s): Burton, Richard, Mrs. Subject(s): Aging; Old Age AT TWENTY, by MARY EUGENE Poem Text First Line: Yesterday, all day dejection wrung my being Last Line: I'd be so old, so old. Subject(s): Aging AT TWO-AND-TWENTY, by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Marian, may, and maud Last Line: What care I? Subject(s): Aging; Love - Unrequited AUNT MAVIS, by DIXIE LEE HENDERSON PARTRIDGE Poem Source First Line: She's been here before Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women AUTOBIOGRAPHY 3, by PALMER. MICHAEL Poem Full Text Recitation by Author Poet's Biography Subject(s): Self; Aging; Ancestors & Ancestry; Heritage; Heredity AUTUMN, by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Has it come, the time to fade? Last Line: "the autumn of thy days." Subject(s): Aging; Autumn; Seasons; Fall AUTUMN POET, by VIRGINIA BARRETT Poem Source First Line: Dry leaves settle in the cool front hall Last Line: The old woman plays in a shapeless black coat %button missing, she skips through the orchard Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women AUTUMN SUN., by LOUISE SOMERS WINDER Poem Source Last Line: Two canes - out of step Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women AVE ATQUE VALE, by ROSAMUND MARRIOTT WATSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Farewell, my youth! For now we needs Last Line: Dream you remember yet. Alternate Author Name(s): Tomson, Graham R. Subject(s): Aging; Time €ŒOH ANTIC GOD€?, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Mothers; Aging BABYLON, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Wear my feet off %down to the knees in this city Last Line: Otherwise I'd be in an ambulance trapped in traffic %siren rising Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 BABYLON II, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Can't stop to figure %I'm too busy with all the Last Line: And the blood black dirt %that moment and no more Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 BACK TO COUNTRY WITH PULITZER, by LIAM RECTOR Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I left here at eight Subject(s): Aging; Illness; Conduct Of Life; Success; Failure; Retirement; Love - Loss Of; Literary Prizes BAHNHOFSTRASSE, by JAMES JOYCE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The eyes that mock me sign the way Last Line: The signs that mock me as I go Subject(s): Aging BALLAD OF LONG BANK: 1, by LI PO Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: When my hair was first in bangs Last Line: I'll go right down to long wind shore Alternate Author Name(s): Rihaku; Li Pai; Li Tai Pe; Li Bo; Li Bai Subject(s): Aging BALLADE, by CHARLES D'ORLEANS Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I was in blossom when I was a child Last Line: They laid me ripening on the straw of prison Alternate Author Name(s): D'orleans, Duc; Orleans, Charles Of Subject(s): Aging BALLADE OF A DEAD LADY, by RICHARD THOMAS LE GALLIENNE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: All old fair things are in their places Last Line: Ah! Where have they hidden those great eyes? Subject(s): Aging; Death; Nature; Spring; Youth; Dead, The BATHING MY MOTHER, by AVERILL CURDY Poem Source First Line: I raise one light arm Last Line: So I opened my body %to see as much as I could Subject(s): Aging; Baths And Bathing; Mothers And Daughters; Sickness BEARING LEAVES AGAIN, by DAVID IGNATOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: A leaf in season Subject(s): Aging BEAST, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I liked you Last Line: Hanging %from the tip %of his nose Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 BEAUTY, by TONY HOAGLAND Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When the medication she was taking Last Line: That, too, was beautiful Subject(s): Beauty; Brotherds And Sisters; Aging; Transience; Impermanence BEAVER DAM ROAD, by SHELDON STUMP Poem Source First Line: I want to give my mother, who is sixty-three, an assignment Last Line: My father will walk in looking for his 'goddamn keys' %and she'll be gone Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women BEFORE DAWN ON BLUFF ROAD, by AUGUST KLEINZAHLER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography Subject(s): Aging; Transience; Impermanence BEFORE I GO, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Before I go, I'd like to have high Last Line: They are the ones, %if I could do it again, I'd do it with. %I'd like to do it again before I go Subject(s): Aging BEFORE NIGHT FALLS, by LYNN KOZMA Poem Source First Line: I need to do %a few important things Last Line: I want to hold the world close %spit in the face %of doom Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women BEFORE ROSH HASHANAH, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Is the time Last Line: Already shines white in the sun Subject(s): Aging BEFORE SUNRISE, by ARTHUR SZE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The myriad unfolds from a progression of strokes Last Line: Wake to human bones carved and strung into a loose apron Subject(s): Aging BELLS BEYOND THE FOREST, by HENRY CLARENCE KENDALL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Wild-eyed woodlands, here I rest me, underneath the gaunt and ghastly trees Last Line: Mighty minstrels sing behind me, but the promise of my youth is past. Subject(s): Aging; Bells; Forests; Woods BERNIE CORNFELD'S 'OZYMANDIAS', by RICHARD LAMB Poem Source First Line: There I was, rumpled, pudgy, balding, all of five Last Line: To make things so complicated for themselves ... Subject(s): Aging BETWEEN PASSION AND THE NEXT THING, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: We cannot possibly make love again Last Line: But mostly they say, how well do you suffer? Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 BIRD WOMAN, by KATHRYN A. YOUNG Poem Source First Line: Let me draw you in charcoal Last Line: A madonna on the corner %our lady of the stones Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women BIRTHDAY, by JOHN CIARDI Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A fat sicty-year-old man woke me. 'hello Subject(s): Aging BIRTHDAY, by JOHN CIARDI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A fat sicty-year-old man woke me. 'hello Last Line: Don't shrug away,' he said, 'there's nowhere to go' Subject(s): Aging BIRTHDAY, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The masques of dream - monk in his Last Line: Thirty-ninth skin. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays BIRTHDAY ON THE BEACH, by OGDEN NASH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At another year Last Line: Except when I jog %I joggle Subject(s): Aging; Sports BIRTHDAY SONG, by PAUL PETRIE Poem Source First Line: Saddened by the mirror's bulging shape Last Line: In its weighless weight, begin to dance Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays BIRTHDAYS, by TOMAZ SALAMUN Poem Source First Line: For my twenty-fifth birthday in the army Last Line: Smoked, and listened to tommy, the who. %maybe I'm writing this because it's so rainy Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays; Candles BIRTHDAYS AND MILESTONES, by KATE M. CHIDESTER Poem Text First Line: Birthdays are milestones Last Line: At setting of sun. Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays; Experience; Poetry & Poets BLACK LUCY; VICTORY LAKE NURSERY HOME, 1974, by ROBERT WARD Poem Source First Line: My red hair. My red hair Last Line: Sometimes I tell them, it's nice. It reminds %me of home Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women BLIZZARD ROPE, by DEBRA MARQUART Poem Source First Line: I have not forgotten Last Line: Go where you will Subject(s): Aging; Storms; Weather BLOOM AND BLIGHT, by DAVID MACBETH MOIR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The scene is desolate and bleak Last Line: To which our sunshine is like shade. Alternate Author Name(s): Delta Subject(s): Aging; Life; Youth BLUES, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Love won't behave. I've tried %all my life to keep it chained up Last Line: Now I'm stark raving sober %and I say, come on over here and love me Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 BLUES FOR UNEMPLOYED MERCENARIES, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: All I wanted was a goddam cab Last Line: An ice bullet man makes %by the way, you like my hat? Subject(s): Aging; Politics; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 BLUES FOR UNEMPLOYED SECRET POLICE, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: They know deep down %how the world goes Last Line: A good torturer can always find a job Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 BO-BO AT 83, by MARIE HENRY Poem Source First Line: It is warm inside my eyes Last Line: Across the valley the cricket's sound rubbed against the sky Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women BONDAGE, by JOHN BANISTER TABB Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Cries death, 'o man, thy liberty Last Line: Thy conquerors -- pain, age, and me. Alternate Author Name(s): Father Tabb Subject(s): Aging; Pain; Suffering; Misery BRAVE DAYS OF OLD, by J. KNOX CHRISTIE Poem Text First Line: The brave days of old, were they better than now? Last Line: Brave days we can see again never. Subject(s): Aging; Memory BRIDGING THE GAP, by GEORGE HELD Poem Source First Line: To bridge the gap between our ages Last Line: Unbridged the gap between our ages %unstreaked your hair and made mine grey Subject(s): Aging; Youth BRIEF ENCOUNTER AT THE DELICATESSEN, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: She has no muscle tone. He has no hair Last Line: Then silently they part as (sigh) they %must, %surrendering to brunch instead of lust Subject(s): Aging BRIEF RETURN, by MARY HOLLINGSWORTH Poem Text First Line: Quite suddenly Last Line: And I was old. Subject(s): Aging BROKEN DREAMS, by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There is grey in your hair Last Line: Vague memories, nothing but memories. Alternate Author Name(s): Yeats, W. B. Subject(s): Aging; Beauty; Love - Erotic; Memory BURIED CITIES; FATHER CHARLES, by WILLIAM ALLEN BUTLER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: No paler monk than father charles, and none so gaunt or lean Last Line: With thirty buried cities upon his reverend pate. Subject(s): Aging; Cities; Clergy; Death; Monks; Urban Life; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops; Dead, The BUT NOW IT'S WINTER, by KATHRYN BURT Poem Source First Line: When it was spring and you turned the earth Last Line: And find myself listening outside your door %long after you've gone to sleep Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women BUYING EARTH, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Time was, when I was a boy Subject(s): Youth; Aging BY MY AGE, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: By my age I thought I would finally be Last Line: Composed and detached %and unruffled acceptance of all %thati'm %still not able to do %by my age Subject(s): Aging BY THE GAILY-CIRCLING GLASS, by JOHN DALTON Poem Text Last Line: Sons of care 'twas made for you! Subject(s): Aging CAKE OF SOAP, by WALLACE WHATLEY Poem Source First Line: In a cane chair in her yard Last Line: A candle end, %enough %to reach the other side Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women CAMPS, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Smiles %of false cheer mingle Last Line: Stacks vomiting %numbers Subject(s): Aging CARCASONNE, by GUSTAVE NADAUD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Age bows my neck, and I have wrought Last Line: -- he never did see carcasonne! Subject(s): Aging; Carcassonne, France CATCHING HER BLUE RIBBONS, by DICK BAKKEN Poem Source First Line: My mother %swung me all %the way Last Line: Loosed hair %white %streaming Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women CE QUI DURE, by RENE FRANCOIS ARMAND PRUDHOMME Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: How cold and wan the present lowers Last Line: Then thou hast, love! That deathless heart. Alternate Author Name(s): Sully-prudhomme Subject(s): Aging; Transience; Youth; Impermanence CHANGE (1), by SARA TEASDALE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Remember me as I was then Last Line: What other years have done to me. Alternate Author Name(s): Filsinger, Ernest B., Mrs. Subject(s): Aging; Change CHANGED, by CHARLES STUART CALVERLEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I know not why my soul is rack'd Last Line: To bed. Subject(s): Aging CHANSON, by ROBERT CREELEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, let petit rondelay! Subject(s): Aging CHARD WHITLOW (MR. ELIOT'S SUNDAY EVENING POSTCRIPT), by HENRY REED Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: As we get older we do not get any younger Subject(s): Aging; Eliot, Thomas Stearns (1888-1965); Eliot, T. S. CHARD WHITLOW (MR. ELIOT'S SUNDAY EVENING POSTCRIPT), by HENRY REED Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: As we get older we do not get any younger Last Line: And pray for kharma under the holy mountain Subject(s): Aging; Eliot, Thomas Stearns (1888-1965) CHARNEL GROUND, by ALLEN GINSBERG Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Upstairs jenny crashed her car & became a living corpse, jake sold grass, the w Last Line: With words: 'the whole point seems to be the idea of giving away the giver.' Subject(s): Aging; New York City CHERRIES, by JOE LAMB Poem Source First Line: When I was five, we lived in tesuque Last Line: The cherries were thick, sweet, and %yellow Subject(s): Aging; Cherries; Fruit; Memory; Men; Mothers CHILD WAITING, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: I wanted the past to go away Last Line: I'll end up a child waiting %for a life of tomorrows Subject(s): Aging CHILDHOOD, by ALICE STETTINER Poem Text First Line: I watched a little child one day Last Line: Unpleasantries all in forgetfulness burn. Subject(s): Aging; Children; Play; Childhood CHILDHOOD'S HAPPY HOME, by FRANK SUTHERLAND Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I've followed fortune's footsteps far, o'er many a sunny strand Last Line: I turn away -- I've seen enough -- and leave the dear old place. Alternate Author Name(s): Uncle Peter Subject(s): Aging; Home CHORUS, by WILLIAM ALEXANDER PERCY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Surely in no benignant mood Last Line: The disenchanted ledges of old age. Subject(s): Aging; Goddesses & Gods; Life; Mythology; Youth CHRISTMAS MORNING., by FREDERICK GASSER Poem Source Last Line: Grandma's pin cushion %overflows Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR FIFTY YEARS AND OVER, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: He used to buy her lacy negligees Last Line: He's bough a pillbox for her calcium. %she's ordered him the large-type new york times Subject(s): Aging; Christmas Gifts; New York Times (newspaper) CLIMBING, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A woman precedes me up the long rope Subject(s): Aging CLOSING DOWN: OLD WOMAN ON BOARDWALK, by ENID DAME Poem Source First Line: Still holding on in this body Last Line: Jack - election night - the rain %with its many small noises Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women COLONIAL ALBUM, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: They saw mirrored %in the gleaming teeth Last Line: And the children play on them as if %they had never been more than piles of stone Subject(s): Aging; Politics; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 COLOURS, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: She always picks the wrong man Last Line: If she chooses again, is it more of the same? Subject(s): Aging; Colors; Relationships COME TO ME, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Come to me looking Last Line: That will leave their marks %of passion on your back Subject(s): Aging; Women COMING OF AGE, by JOHN PEPPER CLARK Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Those times I spent Last Line: Moves on into night Alternate Author Name(s): Clark-bekederemo, J. P.; Clark, J. P. Subject(s): Absence; Aging; Mothers COMING OF AGE, by LUISA IGLORIA Poem Source First Line: At times I think my life Last Line: For its cobalt crack Subject(s): Aging COMING OF AGE, by RICHARD KELL Poem Source First Line: Though I have seldom slept alone, sharing Last Line: I could teach myself-when-young a thing or two Subject(s): Aging; Youth COMING OF AGE, by CORINNA VALLIANATOS Poem Source First Line: I'm hung from oiled hooks. My pierced back pulls away from its scaffolding Last Line: This too will become apparent Subject(s): Aging; Science CONFESSION, by RUTH STONE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Exquisite sir, what blame rests in the wrinkles Subject(s): Aging CONFUSION, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I can't figure out if it's gas or a coronary Last Line: And I can't figure out if everyone else %has figured everything %out, or whether we are all in a sta Subject(s): Aging CONTENT, by J. N. GREELY Poem Text First Line: The night comes, let it come Last Line: And a pipe, in the firelight's glow. Subject(s): Aging; Contentment; Yale University CONVERSION, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The fire chief's daughter led them, trip and stumble Last Line: Showed them the fire she kept, smoldering in a bible Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 COUNTING BACKWARDS, by LINDA PASTAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How did I get so old Subject(s): Aging COUNTING BIRDS; FOR GERALD VIZENOR, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As a child, fresh out of the hospital Last Line: Into the marvel of this final night. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Birds COUPLET, by DONALD HALL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When the tall puffy Variant Title(s): Old Timers' Day Subject(s): Aging; Baseball; Sports COUPLET, by DONALD HALL Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When the tall puffy Last Line: Among shades the shadow %of achilles Variant Title(s): Old Timers' Da Subject(s): Aging; Baseball; Sports COYOTE, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Angle iron of darkness %crossing the road Last Line: Your friends the crows %understand %from the ancient dialects of hunger Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 CRABBED AGE AND YOUTH, by THEOPHILUS Poem Source First Line: Old husband and young wife never agree Last Line: One night: day finds her in another harbour Subject(s): Aging; Love - Age Differences; Youth CRITICAL THEORY, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A professor came to our village last year to study dialect. He Last Line: Clothes and passport and fed him some dried goat Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 CRONE, by LEAH SCHWEITZER Poem Source First Line: She squats shameless Last Line: Fly %out of her Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women CROSSING THE BORDER, by OGDEN NASH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sensecence beings Last Line: Outnumber your friends Subject(s): Aging CROSSING THE STREET, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: An old man Last Line: Gathering strength %for the journey Subject(s): Aging CROWS, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Hunch in the trees %to gossip Last Line: And snow sifts %down from the tree Subject(s): Aging; Birds; Crows; Night; Trees; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975; Winter DAD TURNS NINETY, by ELIZABETH ZELVIN Poem Source First Line: Sometime between the birthday and %the birthday brunch Last Line: We were away, he changed his mind %and didn't die Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays; Fathers; Psychoanalysis; Relationships DAFFODIL GOLD, by CLINTON SCOLLARD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Gold of the daffodil, drawn Last Line: Touch thou my pulses with spring! Subject(s): Aging; Daffodils; Spring DANCE, by RONALD STUART THOMAS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She is young. Have I the right Last Line: Of innocence. Let me smell %my youth again in your hair Alternate Author Name(s): Thomas, R. S. Subject(s): Aging DARK WATER, by KARYN M. WOLVEN Poem Source First Line: I come naked %to drink dark water Last Line: The river will carry us %to its end Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women DARK WOMEN, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I must not cease from singing Last Line: Outweighed them one and all. Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Subject(s): Aging; Beauty; Memory; Women DAUGHTER, by KATHARYN HOWD MACHAN Poem Source First Line: As you once moved for me Last Line: Demanding say goodbye to me, old %woman; in your dying I dance, dance Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women DAYS AND YEARS, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poem Text Poet Analysis First Line: How softly now my days go by Last Line: Is carrying off my years! Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Aging DAYS OF 1994: ALEXANDRIANS, by MARILYN HACKER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lunch: as we close the twentieth century, Subject(s): Aging; Transience; Cancer (disease); Food & Eating; Impermanence DAYS OF MY YOUTH, by ST. GEORGE TUCKER Poem Text Poet's Biography Last Line: Be ye fixed on your god Subject(s): Aging DAYS, THE MONTHS, THE YEARS, by DIEGO VALERI Poem Source Last Line: It's gone. And let it be Subject(s): Aging; Weariness DEAD LOVE (HEARD SUNG BY AN OLD WOMAN OF THE ISLAND OF TIREE), by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: It is the grey rock I am Last Line: As canna in wind Subject(s): Aging;gray (color);mourning;women; Grey (color);bereavement DEATH AT PLAY, by NORMAN ROWLAND GALE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: He blows through the keyhole to waver my candle Last Line: And make me believe he intends to come in. Subject(s): Aging; Death; Dead, The DEATH OF THE TRACK STAR, by WILLIAM JOSEPH MEISSNER Poem Source First Line: It all happens in a moment, telephone - still Subject(s): Aging; Sports DECANTING GRANDMA, by SUSAN FAWCETT Poem Source First Line: When we came to your house, dad and grandpa Last Line: Dad forced your door Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women DECEMBER, by VIRGINIA RINALDY TERRIS Poem Source First Line: Here's an old lady walking down the street Last Line: But she smiles anyway %she breathes deeply Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women DECORATORS, by JOHN BANISTER TABB Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: All men the painter youth engage Last Line: And some, the famous sculptor, age. Alternate Author Name(s): Father Tabb Subject(s): Aging DELIGHT IN HER VOICE., by RUTH HOLTER Poem Source Last Line: Of five hundred miles Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women DEPARTED YOUTH, by HANNAH COWLEY Poem Text First Line: What though the rosebuds from my cheek Last Line: The mind to taste, the nerve to feel! Alternate Author Name(s): Matilda, Anna; Parkhouse, Hannah Subject(s): Aging DESCENT, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The descent beckons %as the ascent beckoned Last Line: A descent follows, %endless and indestructible Subject(s): Aging DESPITE GARBLED WORDS., by TOM TICO Poem Source Last Line: With their usual warmth Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women DETOUR, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Even with death approaching Last Line: Once again death is detoured Subject(s): Aging DIE LIAN HUA, by LI CH'ING-CHAO Poem Source First Line: Long night's malaise, welcome thoughts few Last Line: Such a pity that spring -- like me -- must grow old Subject(s): Aging; Spring DINOSAURS AND GRANDPARNETS, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: ...As old as you, grandma?' Last Line: It's then I make the connection Subject(s): Aging DIP, by MARVIN SOLOMON Poem Source First Line: Naked, you step upon the rock and dive Last Line: Plumbed as kids, then middle-age, surfacing as elders Subject(s): Aging; Swimming DISCIPLINE, by BROOKE ASTOR Poem Source First Line: I am old and I have had Last Line: But it's better far than 'I' and 'me.' Subject(s): Aging; Discipline DISPOSSESSED, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Day by day Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): Aging DISPOSSESSED, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Day by day Last Line: And twilight kindliness Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): Aging DISTRACTION, by ARCHIE RANDOLPH AMMONS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: During my glorious %crazy years I Alternate Author Name(s): Ammons, A. R. Subject(s): Aging DO YOU FEEL YOUR AGE?' SHE ASKED, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Then set it free Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Nature DOGE, by DAVID CHORLTON Poem Source First Line: When he looks at the gold on his fingers Last Line: To move the fly %from his gothic nose Subject(s): Aging DON'T BE AFRAID TO BREAK BAD NEWS TO THE AGED, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Her spine curves away Last Line: Takes her cane %and walks Subject(s): Aging DON'T EAT THE TREES, by NANCE VAN WINCKEL Poem Source First Line: An old man's hair in a cloth pouch Last Line: Breathed as a mist across %the earliest morning Subject(s): Aging; Hair; Mankind DOWN TIME, by JOHN UPDIKE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wiating for tom, the boy who can fix my computer if anyone can Subject(s): Aging DRUNK & DISORDERLY, BIG HAIR, by MARIE PONSOT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Handmaid to cybele, Subject(s): Women; Aging DYPTICH, by DENISE LEVERTOV Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Though no wind is blowing, the lake Subject(s): Aging DYPTICH, by DENISE LEVERTOV Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Though no wind is blowing, the lake Last Line: Her snows are gray Subject(s): Aging EARTH WOMAN, by ALLAN DAVIS WINANS Poem Source First Line: She sits weaving %her dreams Last Line: Like soft sand on an %open grave Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women EARTH'S SHADOW, by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I have but passed the first short stage Last Line: E'en I may tune a sinless lyre. Subject(s): Aging EAST OF CARTHAGE: AN IDYLL, by KHALED MATTAWA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Look here, marcus aurelius, we’ve come to see Last Line: Ts tentacles sewing a rupture I had nursed for too long Subject(s): Coming Of Age; Middle Age; Aging; Libya; Ancestors & Ancestry; Family Life; Mythology; Heritage; Heredity; Relatives EBB TIDE, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Slowly thy flowing tide Last Line: Then hasten to old age! Subject(s): Aging; Avon (river), England; Rivers; Tides ECHOING., by FRANCINE PORAD Poem Source Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women EHEU! FUGACES, OR WHAT A DIFFERENCE A LOT OF DAYS MAKE, by OGDEN NASH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I was seventeen or so Last Line: Today I would rather sidestep trouble, %and be healthy, wealthy, and comfortable Subject(s): Aging EIGHT BASIC FACTS ABOUT MEMORY, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The fact that people don't stop you Last Line: And the fact that, the fact that, the fact %that ... %it's slipped my mind Subject(s): Aging ELDERS, by DAVID WAGONER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When by the fire at sundown the elders Last Line: And whisper whatever children need to know Subject(s): Aging ELEGY, by ANNE STEVENSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Fathers; Aging ELEGY: 11. HE COMPLAINS HOW SOON THE NOVELTY OF LIVE IS OVER, by WILLIAM SHENSTONE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ah me, my friend! It will not, will not last! Last Line: Then sinks untimely, and defrauds the chase. Subject(s): Aging ELEGY: 3.25. REVENGE TO COME, by SEXTUS PROPERTIUS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I was a joke at dinners; aye, any would-be wit Last Line: Your beauty waits this ending. Woman, believe—and fear! Subject(s): Aging; Revenge EMBERS, by LLOYD VAN BRUNT Poem Source First Line: An old woman %with eyes like wasps' nests Last Line: With low embers in the sky Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women EMPTY WINTER STREET., by ALEXIS ROTELLA Poem Source Last Line: Fighting the wind Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women ENVOI, by KRISTIN FOGDALL Poem Source First Line: Now, in a quiet moment, collect your things Last Line: Before dissolving into another form Subject(s): Aging ESCAPE, by SUSAN FANTL SPIVACK Poem Source First Line: Sometimes the old woman trapped there %would call Last Line: Pushing her hungers into the world's dark corners %everyone denies her Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women ETERNAL WAR, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Amid the strife in this room Last Line: Distended will soon wear %its stripes of sisterhood Subject(s): Aging ETHEL, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: I want to scream my frustation Last Line: Shoveling the earth %for her grave Subject(s): Aging EVEN OLDER, THE VANDALS, by ALAN MICHAEL PARKER Poem Source First Line: Fill their bodies with their ghosts Last Line: They whisper to each other. %it's only a poem, it's only a poem, it's only poem Subject(s): Aging; Poetry And Poets; Vandalism EVEN-SONG, by CLINTON SCOLLARD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Now the west is warm, and now Last Line: Welcome are the wings of love! Subject(s): Aging; Evening; Love; Youth; Sunset; Twilight EVENING GRACE, by LINDA-RUTH BERGER Poem Source First Line: She comes washed for sleep Last Line: Her gold chain has no clasp Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women EVENING PASTIMES, by ALICE CARY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sitting by my fire alone Last Line: I shall wear that garment yet. Subject(s): Solitude; Aging; Poetry & Poets; Love EVENING, EAST OF WHEELING, by GRAY JACOBIK Poem Source First Line: Malatcha took an hour to reconcile Last Line: She just weeds, having let the weeds %grow big, her anger just so wild Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women EVIE, by ELLIN E. CARTER Poem Source First Line: She lived a little, for a long time Last Line: In the snapshot, left without a word %evading scrutiny Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women EXALTATION, by DAVID HENDERSON Poem Source First Line: It's gone, now, %that thrill, that rush Last Line: All points of the compass %before me Subject(s): Aging; Memory; Old Age; Travel EXERCISING OPTIONS, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I've been told that the vigorous Last Line: Yes, my body's a total disgrace %but there is this big happy smile on my %face as %I float on my bac Subject(s): Aging FACE IN THE MIRROR, by ROBERT RANKE GRAVES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gray haunted eyes, absent-mindedly glaring Last Line: He still stands ready, with a boy's presumption, %to court the queen in her high silk pavilion Subject(s): Aging FALLING, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: They are shackled to one another. No %the pig wears the angel Last Line: The same words aching from the throat Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 FANCIES AT NAVESINK: 7, by WALT WHITMAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: By that long span of waves, myself call'd back, resumed upon myself Last Line: Like one of yours, ye multitudinous ocean. Subject(s): Aging FAREWELL, by JESSIE E. WILLIAMS Poem Text First Line: Enter my heart's room! Lightly tread! Last Line: My radiant youth, that died today! Subject(s): Aging FAREWELL TO ARMS, by GEORGE PEELE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: His golden locks time hath to silver turned Last Line: To be your beadsman now that was your knight. Variant Title(s): The Aged-man At Arms;the Old Knight;an Old Soldier;youth's Waning;polyhmnia: Sonnet;farewell To Arms (to Queen Elizabeth) Subject(s): Aging; Elizabeth I, Queen Of England (1533-1603; Lee, Sir Henry (1532-1611); Loyalty; Old Age; Retirement; Time FAREWELL, OLD YEAR, by FLORENCE L. SIDLEY Poem Text First Line: Farewell, farewell, old year Last Line: That which was lost, my soul, my soul. Subject(s): Aging FARMHOUSES THAT AT ANCHOR SEEMED, by STEPHEN FRECH Poem Source First Line: The leaves that chased me never won Last Line: And the press that takes the print also wears the plate down Subject(s): Aging; Farm Life FATHER WILLIAM, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: "'you are old, father william,' the young man said" Last Line: And then I'll be able to skate Subject(s): "aging;carroll, Lewis (1832-1898);clergy;" "dodgson, Charles Lutwidge;priests;rabbis;ministers;bishops; FATHER WILLIAM [QUESTIONED], FR. ALICE IN WONDERLAND, by CHARLES LUTWIDGE DODGSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You are old, father william,' the young man said Last Line: Be off, or I'll kick you downstairs!' Alternate Author Name(s): Carroll, Lewis Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Southey, Robert (1774-1843); Youth FATHER WILLIAM; A NEW VERSION, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You are old, father william, and though one would think Last Line: "is my answer -- the toe of my boot." Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Aging; Youth FEBRUARY EVENING IN NEW YORK, by DENISE LEVERTOV Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As the stores close, a winter light Subject(s): New York City; Evening; Winter; Aging; Conduct Of Life; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple; Sunset; Twilight FIFTY, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This is what a fifty-year-old Last Line: Quitting time, do you still answer never? Subject(s): Aging; Women FIFTY, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This is what a fifty-year-old Last Line: Quitting time, do you still answer never Subject(s): Aging; Women FIFTY POUNDS A YEAR AND A PENSION, by JAMES STEPHENS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I have never seen the sun walk in the dawn Last Line: For the pit. Subject(s): Aging; Pensions FIFTY YEARS, by DENNIS TRUDELL Poem Source First Line: I found a pair of eyeglasses Last Line: He says. 'why I'll die alone.' Subject(s): Aging; Death; Life; Memory FIGS OF THISTLES, by PHOEBE CARY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As laborers set in a vineyard Last Line: Is cursed of the lord! Subject(s): Aging FINAL BREATHS, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: The evening sun Last Line: And grasp the small shape of her life %tight in my arms Subject(s): Aging FIRST CLASS, by JUDY DIGREGORIO Poem Source First Line: Compare me to a vintage wine Last Line: Cause then you've send too much Subject(s): Aging; Secrets FIRST PERSON, by ROBERT WRIGLEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One lies on one's back in the woods Last Line: The last one / to die Subject(s): Forests; Aging; Animals; Poetry & Poets; Mortality FIRST RAYS, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: The gunmetal shadows of night Last Line: When the old man gives up %and ground is broken Subject(s): Aging FIRST THING TO GO, by PEG BOYERS Poem Source First Line: The first thing to go is the neck Last Line: You have become what you had never dreamed of becoming: %old Subject(s): Aging; Ginzburg, Natalia; Old Age; Writing And Writers FIRSTNESS, by RICHARD TILLINGHAST Poem Source First Line: Early pleasures please best, some old voice whispers Last Line: Thank god for instinct, and beginner's luck Subject(s): Aging FISHING AT FORTY, by BARTON SUTTER Poem Source First Line: We got ourselves up Last Line: His silver and steel; the whiskey %behind the seat, half gone; %the long, hard winter coming on Subject(s): Aging; Fishing And Fishermen; Introspection; Life; Middle Age FIVE LITTLE WANDERINGS: 5. AGE, by BERTON BRALEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I've known the glaze and glamour Last Line: And I must hit the trail! Subject(s): Aging FLEXIBLE FLYER, by CYNTHIA SOBSEY Poem Source First Line: The blizzard is over Last Line: When march stumbles over her shadow Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER CLOSED SET OF WORDS. I JUST WANT, by CAROLYN D. WRIGHT Poem Source Poet's Biography Last Line: Yet going door-to-door Alternate Author Name(s): Wright, C. D. Subject(s): Aging; Bodies FOR A CERTAIN BELOVED GENTLEMAN, by MARGARET E. BRUNER Poem Text First Line: Although the world may think of you as old Last Line: Will surely dwell in peace through all his days. Subject(s): Aging; Maturity FOR IRVING, by ROBERT CREELEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: At seventeen women were strange & forbidden phenomenons Subject(s): Aging; Women FOR JAN AS THE END DRAWS NEAR, by CAROLYN KIZER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We never believed in safety Last Line: The present is this poem, o my dear. Subject(s): Aging; California; Friendship; Women; Women's Rights; Feminism FOR JAN, IN BAR MARIA, by CAROLYN KIZER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Though it's true we were young girls when we met Last Line: They call us janna and carolina, those two mad straniere. Subject(s): Aging; Chinese Literature; Friendship; Po Chu-yi (772-846); Women; Women's Rights; Feminism FOR MRS. NA; AGED 67, CU CHI VIETNAM, 28 DECEMBER 1985, by WILLIAM DANIEL EHRHART Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I always told myself %if I ever got the chance to go back Last Line: Trying to think of something else to say %besides 'I'm sorry' Alternate Author Name(s): Ehrhart, W. D. Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women FOR MY GRANDMA WHO IS DEAD, by CAROLYN WHITE Poem Source First Line: What if the dead are not immortal, but simply dead? Last Line: Something I cannot misremember %something you no longer need Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women FOR RICHER, FOR POORER, by LISEL MUELLER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Three times over, since that day Alternate Author Name(s): Muller, Lisel Subject(s): Marriage; Aging; Weddings; Husbands; Wives FOR THOSE GROWING OLD, by WINIFRED ADAMS BURR Poem Text First Line: O you who through inexorable years Last Line: That when the body dies, is beauty born! Subject(s): Aging; Beauty; Bodies; Death; Grief; Dead, The; Sorrow; Sadness FORGETFULNESS, by BILLY COLLINS Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: The name of the author is the first to go Subject(s): Aging FORGOTTEN WOMAN, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: She lies in a stelazine stupor Last Line: By family %friends %death Subject(s): Aging FORWARD, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Mothers grow tired Last Line: Til these women, too, will stand %waiting, hoping Subject(s): Aging FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH, by JOSEPHINE B. MORETTI Poem Source First Line: I have found the secret of how to stay young Last Line: It's my own, my lovable rascals %that are making my hair turn gray! Subject(s): Aging; Children; Fountain Of Youth FRANKFURT,1972, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A man and a woman lie in each other's arms Last Line: Its stone wings and lift off into the swirling snow Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 FRESH FLOWERS, by WANG ANSHIH Poem Source First Line: Old age has little joy Last Line: Fresh flowers and an old I - %so! Best forget each other Subject(s): Aging FROM AN ALBUM, by LUISA IGLORIA Poem Source First Line: All that I have known Last Line: For the coming of sorrow Subject(s): Aging FROM NOW ON, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: The old woman asked him to wash her feet Last Line: From now on, there's no forbidden fruit Subject(s): Aging; Memory; Relationships FROM THE SPANISH, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Twenty years go by on noiseless feet Last Line: "he mutters, ""my god! And that is she!" Subject(s): Aging; Transience; Impermanence FUTURES, by BEULA CHAMBERLAIN Poem Text First Line: One counts the future that is his Last Line: Lest rain or wind should mar its loveliness. Subject(s): Aging; Future GAME, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: Four plastic bags to bury Last Line: We're game for more Subject(s): Aging; Death GAME RESUMED, by RICHMOND LATTIMORE Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: My locker, green steel Last Line: (forgotten and unseen), %my self Subject(s): Aging; Middle Age; Sports GATHERING, by BARBARA CROOKER Poem Source First Line: Black birds rise like smoke from the hills Last Line: Grip fast to what %we must let go Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women GENERATIONS, by DOROTHY BECK Poem Source First Line: Blue ice melts %in the jaws of spring Last Line: Your dreams now Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women GEO-BESTIARY: 14, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As a geezer one grows tired of the story Last Line: And make your own little pyramids. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Mountains; Hills; Downs (great Britain) GEO-BESTIARY: 7, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O that girl, only young men Last Line: Puzzled that again beauty has found her home in threat. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Desire GETTING ALONG, by LUCY LARCOM Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: We trudge on together, my good man and I Subject(s): Aging; Birds; Life; Walking; Women GHAZALS: 51, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Who could put anything together that would stay in one place Last Line: Charm and want everyone to go back to their snot-nosed slums. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; West (u.s.); Southwest; Pacific States GIFT OF YEARS, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The mellow years have brought to me Last Line: And a heart that is young again Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): Aging GLIMPSES OF INFANCY, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: As riper years approach us Last Line: Oft they flash, with infant hue. Subject(s): Aging GOING BACK, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How long, stone, did it take Last Line: Sink again, you might cover bones. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Change; Time GOING NORTH, by JOHN FREEMAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: From the soft south where, leaping like a / leopard Last Line: Death nears with tongue and gestures imbecile. Subject(s): Aging; Death; Love; Seasons; Time; Dead, The GOING TO THE HEALER, by MARILYN J. BOE Poem Source First Line: Grandma hanson walked me, no-nonsense style, into a bungalow crowded with men Last Line: In 1936, the winter of my 9th birthday, the winter %grandma died Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women GORIAS, by WILLIAM SHARP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In gorias are gems Last Line: And pale gold. Alternate Author Name(s): Macleod, Fiona Subject(s): Aging; Courts & Courtiers; Gold; Jewelry & Jewelers; Love; Treasures GOT SO GRANDMA., by PAUL WEINMAN Poem Source Last Line: Cept when we did a little sinning Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women GRACE, by WILLIAM MEREDITH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Growing older, I have tottered into the lists Alternate Author Name(s): Meredith, Morris Subject(s): Religion; Aging; Theology GRADATIONS OF BLUE, by MATTHEA HARVEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The scent of pig is faint tonight Last Line: But the exact bend in the river behind them, the pattern of trees Subject(s): Aging GRANDDAUGHTER, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Loving transfigures. %my face changes Last Line: As loneliness %or birds singing Subject(s): Aging; Grandchildren GRANDFATHER IN THE OLD MEN'S HOME, by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gentle at last, and as clean as ever Last Line: Beating their little bibles till he died Alternate Author Name(s): Merwin, W. S. Subject(s): Aging; Grandparents GRANDFATHER SQUEERS, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My grandfather squeers,' said the raggedy man Last Line: "he was forced to request it to thunder again." Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Aging; Grandparents; Wisdom; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers GRANDMA WHISPERING., by ZHANNA P. RADER Poem Source Last Line: You're my favorite Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women GRANDMOM MOM, by GENEVIEVE CARMINATI Poem Source First Line: Round round grandmom mom Last Line: Tell me again, grandmom mom %round round Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women GRANDMOTHER, by SUSAN GITLIN-EMMER Poem Source First Line: The past forgets itself Last Line: The dance of women who will not to die, %the ghost dance Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women GRANDMOTHER WATCHING AT HER WINDOW, by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There was always the river or the train Last Line: But all the time you keep going away, away Alternate Author Name(s): Merwin, W. S. Subject(s): Aging; Grandparents GRANDMOTHER'S HANDS, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: In the cracked winter morning Last Line: My hands becoming yours, grandmother? Subject(s): Aging GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE: THE BABA YAGA, by LISA RESS Poem Source First Line: Yellow claws start from the pot Last Line: All night she is brushing her hair, brushing mine %winding the hanks on narrow spools Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women GRANDMOTHER'S QUILT., by EVELYN BRADLEY Poem Source Last Line: Long after sunset Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women GRANDMOTHER, SPARROW, GLASS; FOR LUCIEN STRYK, by WALTER DAVID PAVLICH Poem Source First Line: Grandmother never was a bird Last Line: Her songs sung into the glass %and no further Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women GRANDSON, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: You are %a porcelain figurine Last Line: And I hold your mother %once again in my arms Subject(s): Aging; Grandchildren GRASS, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Grass comes apart Last Line: Creasing in places %that once shined like grass Subject(s): Aging GRAY WEATHER, by ROBINSON JEFFERS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is true that, older than man and ages to outlast him, the pacific surf Last Line: To the bone, the careless white bone, the excellence Subject(s): Disappointment; Aging; Weather GREEN BRANCHES, by WILLIAM SHARP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Wave, wave, green branches, wave me far away Last Line: Joy of my heart, my life, my prince, my lover! Alternate Author Name(s): Macleod, Fiona Subject(s): Aging; Green (color); Love; Nature; Trees GREY, by JEAN CROSSE HANSEN Poem Text First Line: I have looked upon the troubled grey Last Line: A shaft of quivering sunlight filters down. Subject(s): Aging; Gray (color); Grey (color) GREY HAIR, by RUFINUS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Her eyes are gold, her cheek is hyalite Last Line: I take no heed of that white aftermath! Subject(s): Aging GREY HAIRS, by WILLIAM HAMMOND Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Welcome, grey hairs, whose light I gladly trust Last Line: With hallelujahs this cygnean lay. Subject(s): Aging GROUP, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Why do we do this Last Line: The one thought uppermost in our minds Subject(s): Aging GROWIN' GRAY, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Hello, ole man, you're a-gittin' gray Last Line: Hello, ole man, you 're a-gittin' gray! Subject(s): Aging GROWING GRAY, by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A little more toward the light Last Line: Belief with wishes. Alternate Author Name(s): Dobson, Austin Subject(s): Aging; Life GROWING OLD, by MARJORIE AGOSIN Poem Source First Line: Old women making their way %toward the sea Last Line: And seem to dissolve %in the beat of the waves Subject(s): Aging GROWING OLD, by MATTHEW ARNOLD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What is it to grow old? Last Line: Which blamed the living man. Subject(s): Aging GROWING OLD, by KARLE WILSON BAKER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Let me grow lovely, growing old Last Line: Grow lovely, growing old? Alternate Author Name(s): Wilson, Charlotte Variant Title(s): Let Me Grow Lovely Subject(s): Aging GROWING OLD, by LUCY HALL HENLEY Poem Text First Line: One by one the years have fled Last Line: Our smiles and our tears. Subject(s): Aging GROWING OLD, by FRANCIS LEDWIDGE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We'll fill a provence bowl and pledge us deep Last Line: We're growing odd and old, my heart and I. Subject(s): Aging GROWING OLD, by ROLLIN J. WELLS Poem Text First Line: A little more tired at the close of day Last Line: "I live because of their help on the way." Alternate Author Name(s): Wells, R. G. Variant Title(s): As We Grow Older;growing Older Subject(s): Aging GROWING OLD WOMAN, GRUMBLING OLD MAN, by KEN WALDMAN Poem Source First Line: I've run out of patience, old man Last Line: We needed to leave an hour ago Subject(s): Aging; Christmas; Marriage GROWING UP, by IVA KOTRLA Poem Source First Line: In the years %when the secret police Last Line: And spoke to us %gently, like a mother Subject(s): Aging; Human Rights; Maturity GROWN COLD; SONNET, by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: An old man asked me: what is love? I turned Last Line: To rest when all its gladness goeth by! Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina Subject(s): Aging; Hearts; Love - Nature Of GROWN-UP, by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Was it for this I uttered prayers Last Line: I should retire at half-past eight? Alternate Author Name(s): Boyd, Nancy; Boissevain, Eugen, Mrs. Subject(s): Aging GUMMING, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: I asked malachy brandon, eighty - two Last Line: And don't give a fuck Subject(s): Aging; Apathy; Dublin, Ireland; Love GUN IN THE HAND IS WORTH . . ., by KALAMU YA SALAAM Poem Source First Line: It was a cliche Last Line: Well play like I'm %sweet sixteen and %hit me! Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women HALCYON DAYS, by WALT WHITMAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Not from successful love alone Last Line: The brooding and blissful halcyon days! Subject(s): Aging HALF IN THE FAMILY, HALF OUT, by PO CHU-YI Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Comfortably fixed for clothing and food, children married off Last Line: My daughters call, my wife hoots - I don't answer any of them Alternate Author Name(s): Bai Juyi; Bo Juyi; Po Chu-i; Lo T'ien; Jyu-yi Subject(s): Aging HANDS, by PEARL HOGREFE Poem Text First Line: Not in her hasty blood, which beats its drum Last Line: They feel their future: silence, earth their cover. Subject(s): Aging; Hands HANDS, by MARION HOWARD Poem Text First Line: Weak and useless, like pale ghosts Last Line: Almost gone, -- are you forgiven? Subject(s): Aging; Hands HAPPINESS, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Happiness %is a clean bill of health from the doctor Last Line: It's not what I called happiness %when I was twenty-one, %but it's turning out to be %what happiness Subject(s): Aging HAVE A NICE DAY, by JACK ELLIOTT MYERS Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: No, no I don't want my heart broken again today Last Line: For the sake of a kind word. Subject(s): Aging; Longing; Loss; Nostalgia; Quiet Life HAZARD FACES A SUNDAY IN THE DECLINE, by WILLIAM MEREDITH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We need the ceremony of one another, Alternate Author Name(s): Meredith, Morris Subject(s): Aging; Family Life; Cats; Dogs; Food & Eating; Relatives HE NEVER EXPECTED MUCH (OR) A CONSIDERATION, by THOMAS HARDY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Well, world, you have kept faith with me Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays HE NEVER EXPECTED MUCH (OR) A CONSIDERATION, by THOMAS HARDY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Well, world, you have kept faith with me Last Line: As each year might assign Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays HEALTHFUL OLD AGE, FR. AS YOU LIKE IT, by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let me be your servant Last Line: In all your business and necessities. Variant Title(s): Old Age Of Temperance Subject(s): Aging HEART BEAT, by JAMES CERVANTES Poem Source First Line: Yesterday, when I had more heartbeats left Last Line: Will find the heart that wants to go along Subject(s): Aging; Hearts; Life; Time HEARTENING, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: Is it not a heartening thing to see Last Line: He raised his right hand in blessing? Subject(s): Aging; Blessings HEAVY BAGGAGE, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Wave upon wave of light Last Line: Either way %I lose Subject(s): Aging HELL'S BELLS, by NAOMI REYNOLDS Poem Text First Line: We cannot grow dull and old Last Line: But one of us died this morning. Subject(s): Aging HENRY THE HERMIT, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was a little island where he dwelt Last Line: The lamp that stream'd a long unsteady light. Subject(s): Aging; Bells; Death; Hermits; Islands; Solitude; Dead, The; Loneliness HER DELIRIUM, by RUTH WHITMAN Poem Source First Line: The old lady %(a child of seven) Last Line: And why are they beating %an old lady of eighty-nine? Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women HER LISTENING: AUTUMN ON 10TH STREET, by DIXIE LEE HENDERSON PARTRIDGE Poem Source First Line: With her walker %she moves to the bathroom Last Line: She recalls hearing %since morning Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women HER OWN, by MAYME C. WYANT Poem Text First Line: Faded not, nor fading, pictures bright Last Line: Angel arms can draw her children near. Subject(s): Aging; Death; Dead, The HERE IS MUSIC: 14. RONDEAU, by AUSTIN PHILIPS Poem Text First Line: Were you but here, this wan, unhappy west Last Line: Were you but here. Subject(s): Aging; Grief; Lament; Memory; Solitude; Sorrow; Sadness; Loneliness HERE IS MUSIC: 16. CHANT ROYAL, by AUSTIN PHILIPS Poem Text First Line: Because I, spiritually starving, knew Last Line: An-hunger'd and full fain for former happiness. Subject(s): Aging; Happiness; Love - Marital; Youth; Joy; Delight; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love HERE IS MUSIC: 5, by AUSTIN PHILIPS Poem Text First Line: If, decades back: in days Last Line: Peace—yes, and passion likewise: food for body, soul and mind. Subject(s): Aging; Youth HERE IS MUSIC: VILLANELLE, by AUSTIN PHILIPS Poem Text First Line: I would not be a boy again Last Line: For castle situate in spain. Subject(s): Aging; Love - Loss Of; Solitude; Youth; Loneliness HIC VIR, HIC EST', by CHARLES STUART CALVERLEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Often, when o'er tree and turret, / eve a dying radiance flings Last Line: In my 'solitary fly'. Subject(s): Aging HISTORY BLUES, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Those days %we scarcely bathed off the scent Last Line: Like maps, how our scars %refract the light passing through us as we fade Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 HOLDING ON, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: We came together Last Line: Afraid of what might happen %if one let go Subject(s): Aging HOLDING ON (FOR HIS FATHER PREMATURELY OLD), by RICHARD JACKSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: This morning my father studied the dead wasps Last Line: A thread passing between his teeth, %towards a loud kite in a remembered sky Subject(s): Aging; Fathers HOMAGE TO POUND, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Young men in black shirts %knife of sun on bandolier straps Last Line: Let us all go wash ourselves in the ganges Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 HOME, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: No place like home,' she said Last Line: And call the cat a bastard Subject(s): Aging; Home HOW CAN IT BE, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Is older than I? Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Nature HOW CAN PEOPLE WANT TO BRING CHILDREN ..., by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Everything good that once used to be Last Line: While I work on improving this planet %a little bit more, %for my forthcoming grandchild Subject(s): Aging HOW COULD I KNOW, by ENID SHOMER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: At fifty I'd walk with a cane and a tiny Last Line: From a mile, didn't know a thing that had broken %might never mend Subject(s): Aging HOW IT PASSES, by CAROLYN KIZER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tomorrow I'll begin to cook like mother Last Line: It won't go away. Subject(s): Aging; Creative Ability; Parents; Women; Women's Rights; Inspiration; Creativity; Parenthood; Feminism HOW LONG?, by JUHAD HA-LEVI Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: How long wilt thou in childhood's slumber lie? Last Line: Of souls that seek god's goodness evermore Alternate Author Name(s): Judah Ha-levi Subject(s): Aging; God; Jews; Youth; Judaism HOW OLD ARE YOU?, by H. SAMUEL FRITSCH Poem Text First Line: Age is a quality of mind Last Line: You are not old. Subject(s): Aging HOW TO GROW OLD PLAYING HANDBALL, by THOMAS FOX AVERILL Poem Source First Line: First, quit diving for the ball Subject(s): Aging; Games HSUEH T'AO (768-831): WEAVING LOVE-KNOTS,1, by CAROLYN KIZER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Daily the wind-flowers age, and so do I Last Line: My fingers plait the same grasses, over and over Subject(s): Women; Women's Rights; Aging; Feminism HUBBLE TROUBLE, by DANIEL RAY CAMPION Poem Source First Line: She's younger than her children, is that right? Last Line: The universe, my dears, conceals her age? Subject(s): Aging; Universe HUD SECTION 231/8: FEDERAL HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: The lobby shines Last Line: His eyes are flat and dry-- %looking into the desert Subject(s): Aging HYMENEAL RETROSPECTIONS, by THOMAS HOOD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O kate! My dear partner, through joy and through strife Last Line: "god bless you, dear, good-night!" Subject(s): Aging; Marriage; Weddings; Husbands; Wives I AM, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: A reflection in a glass Last Line: Of an old lady %wrinkled like a newborn Subject(s): Aging I AM RUNNING INTO A NEW YEAR, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: And I beg what I love and %I leave to forgive me Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays; Holidays; Maturity; New Year I DEMAND, by JAMES R. AGGELES Poem Text First Line: I would not decry the wisdom of a god Last Line: When the soul of me is god? Subject(s): Aging I GROW OLDER, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: I like mexican food Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Man-woman Relationships; Nature I HAVE BEEN WARNED. IT IS MORE THAN THIRTY YEARS SINCE I WROTE, by ROBINSON JEFFERS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: But time sucks out the juice, %a man grows old and indolent Subject(s): Aging I HAVE GROWN OLD, AND KNOW, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Seeing a man with a lantern Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Nature I KNOW WHAT I KNOW, by PENNY HARTER Poem Source First Line: I am not an old woman Last Line: Ashamed they are %I'm crying Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women I LOVE ACACIA, by EDITH LOVELL Poem Text First Line: Once when I was very young Last Line: Akin to youth and my ideal. Subject(s): Acacia; Aging; Trees; Youth I NOW, O FRIEND, WHOM NOISELESSLY THE SNOWS, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Followed the car; and I … Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Subject(s): Life; Aging; Nature I TRY TO TURN IN MY JOCK, by DAVID HILTON Poem Source First Line: Going up for the jump shot, %giving the kid the head-fakes and all Last Line: But, shit, %the shot goes in Subject(s): Aging; Basketball; Sports I WAS BORN A BABY, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: What has been %added? Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Babies; Growth; Nature I WASN€™T ONE OF THE SIX MILLION: AND WHAT IS MY LIFE SPAN? OPEN CLOSED OPEN, by YEHUDA AMICHAI Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: I believe with perfect faith that at this very moment Subject(s): Aging; Jews; Judaism I WILL NEVER GROW OLD, by SARA JANE CLARKE LIPPINCOTT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O, no, I never will grow old Last Line: I never will grow old! Alternate Author Name(s): Greenwood, Grace Subject(s): Aging I WILL NOT EAT MY POEM, by JEROME ROTHENBERG Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I kill for pleasure Subject(s): Aging; Poetry & Poets I WILL SAY KADDISH FOR YOU, SISTER, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: How can I think of you gone Last Line: I will say it alone Subject(s): Aging I'M GROWING OLD, by JOHN GODFREY SAXE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My days pass pleasantly away Last Line: "I'm growing old!" Subject(s): Aging I'M UGLY. IS IT MY FAULT?, by SUSAN FANTL SPIVACK Poem Source First Line: I didn't want anyone to think Last Line: I want to see you crying %while I die Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women I'M WALKING VERY SLOWLY TODAY, by JAMES LAUGHLIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Outside and even in the house Last Line: But I know I'm not likely to be given them Subject(s): Aging; Walking IF GOD WON'T TAKE ME WHY WON'T THE DEVIL?'; GREAT-GREAT-AUNT LEONORA, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We stroke your hands to make you smile Last Line: Casting you back. Subject(s): Aging; Aunts; Death; Dead, The IF I GROW OLD, by ETHEL BERRY ALLEN Poem Text First Line: If I grow old let every wrinkle show Last Line: Is mine. How sweet the chant no noise defiles. Subject(s): Aging; Pity; Youth IF IT SHOULD EVER COME, by EDWARD DORN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And we are all there together Last Line: From the newly fallen Subject(s): Aging IF ONE SHOULD COME, by MAHLON LEONARD FISHER Poem Text First Line: If one should come from out the calm to-night, Last Line: As one who tempted death and caused his fall! Subject(s): Aging IF THIS BE I, by BLANCHE FINKLE GILE Poem Text First Line: I love such different things now I am old Last Line: But he will chase cloud-shadows down the street. Subject(s): Aging; Life; Love IN A DREAM, by DAVID IGNATOW Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At fifty I approach myself Last Line: Go to hell, %and I walk off Subject(s): Aging IN A FOG (BEFORE CATARACT SURGERY), by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Floundering frightened Last Line: Crying tears %that freeze on wizened cheeks Subject(s): Aging IN A HERMITAGE, by WILLIAM WHITEHEAD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The man, whose days of youth and ease Last Line: And hates the world he made so bad. Subject(s): Aging; Transience; Impermanence IN A MYRTLE SHADE, by WILLIAM BLAKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When should I be bound to thee Last Line: And grey hairs are on my head. Subject(s): Aging; Bible; Myrtle Trees; Mythology; Religion; Theology IN A PROMINENT BAR IN SECAUCUS ONE DAY, by X. J. KENNEDY Poem Source Poet's Biography Last Line: And she blew us a kiss as they copped her away %from that prominent bar in secaucus, n.J Alternate Author Name(s): Kennedy, Joseph Subject(s): Aging; Bars And Bartenders; Carpe Diem; New Jersey IN AFTER YEARS, by RAY CLARKE ROSE Poem Text First Line: In after years, when age has taught Last Line: In after years. Subject(s): Aging; Future IN CHARIDEMUM, by MARCUS VALERIUS MARTIALIS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: You, charidemus, who my cradle swung Last Line: And your own mistress hails me for a man. Alternate Author Name(s): Martial Subject(s): Aging; Barbers IN DAYS TO COME, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In days to come - whatever ache Last Line: In days to come. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Aging; Future; Hearts IN HEAVEN, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The musicians have picked up the hammers Last Line: Trembling under their gloss of frozen rain Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 IN PRAISE OF PEEPHOLES, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Hearing them stamp Last Line: I don't have to %let them in Subject(s): Aging IN THE COLD HOUSE, by JAMES WRIGHT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I slept a few minutes ago, Alternate Author Name(s): Wright, James A. Subject(s): Aging IN THE PROCESSION, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: "spring comes: and baseball, robust flower, in every meadow's seen" Last Line: As often sighs is the man who was -- and now is not -- a boy Subject(s): Aging;old Age;seasons;time IN THE SMOKING CAR, by RUTH WHITMAN Poem Source First Line: That hatless chewed woman sending me messages Last Line: Her certain knowledge, older than cats %that I am pretending, pretending, pretending Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women IN THE WORLD, by THOMAS CENTOLELLA Poem Source First Line: It was just last week. The leafy plaza at the entrance to berkeley's campus Last Line: And of it. And not of it Subject(s): Aging; Love IN THE YEARS THAT ARE TO COME, by EFFIE WALLER SMITH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When my hair is thin and gray Last Line: Love me truly and sincere. Subject(s): Aging; Love INDIAN SUMMER, by CHARLES HANSON TOWNE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When eve grew old Last Line: Of june, lost long ago. Subject(s): Aging INSIDE OUT, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: Look at leaves turning inside out Last Line: Leaves turning. Stay. Move on. Stay. Move on. Subject(s): Aging; Seasons; Wind INSIDE THAT RUINED HOUSE, by JOHN JOSEPH MCKERNAN Poem Source First Line: Twin slices Last Line: Whispering -- it was only death -- my friends Subject(s): Aging; Houses INSOMNIA, by LINDA PASTAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I remember when my body Subject(s): Aging INTO THE TWILIGHT, by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Outworn heart in a time outworn Last Line: And hope is less dear than the dew of the morn. Alternate Author Name(s): Yeats, W. B. Subject(s): Aging INVASIONS, by STEPHEN DOBYNS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The abrupt presentiment of illness Last Line: Waking in a house you thought was yours forever Subject(s): Bodies; Sickness; Family Life; Aging INVITATION, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: When I received the letter inviting me Last Line: Speaker available call me Subject(s): Aging IRENE, by RUTH GENEVIEVE WORK IODICE Poem Source First Line: The pale sweetpea of her bonnet moves Last Line: After children - she grows flowers Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women IS IT BECAUSE I'M OLD?, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Why can't you look at me Last Line: If only you'd shovel %back the dark and speak Subject(s): Aging ISAAC AND ARCHIBALD, by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Isaac and archibald were two old men Last Line: And I may laugh at them because I knew them. Subject(s): Aging IT'S NIGHT, AN EXTRA QUILT, by STEVE SIMS Poem Source Last Line: Sell fast-forward pills Subject(s): Aging; Riddles ITINERARY, by DOUG ANDERSON Poet's Biography First Line: In arizona coming across the border with dope in my tires Subject(s): Aging; Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Exiles; Marginality, Social; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975; Estrangement; Outcasts ITINERARY, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: In arizona coming across the border with dope in my tires Last Line: Through the heart. Corazone. Corragio. Core Subject(s): Aging; Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Exiles; Marginality, Social; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 JACK CHESBRO, by WILLIAM A. PHELON Poem Text First Line: Jack chesbro, good old hurler, you were a Last Line: It's hard to say it, jack, old friend, but you will get the hook! Subject(s): Aging; Athletes; Baseball; Chesbro, Jack (1874-1931); Sports JANET, by RICHARD WATSON GILDER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I remember / that november Last Line: There's a heart of youth within her. Subject(s): Aging; Youth JEOPARDY, by RON PADGETT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sometimes when I phoned Subject(s): Television; Mothers; Aging; Tv JEWEL-WEED, by FLORENCE EARLE COATES Poem Text First Line: Thou lonely, dew-wet mountain road Last Line: "and blur the dream!" Subject(s): Aging; Nature - Religious Aspects; Roads; Travel; Weeds; Paths; Trails; Journeys; Trips JOHN ANDERSON, by ROBERT BURNS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: John anderson, my jo, john, / when we were first acquent Last Line: John anderson, my jo. Subject(s): Aging; Home; Love - Marital; Marriage; Sex; Togetherness; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love; Weddings; Husbands; Wives JOHN SEVERIN WALGREN, 1874-1962, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Trees die of thirst or cold Last Line: She moves us to terror. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Death; Epitaphs; Loss; Nature; Dead, The JOSIE, by MARIE HENRY Poem Source First Line: Ain't it funny?' she said Last Line: No, I don't care that my johnny never came back - not any %more - no, not really Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women JOURNEY, by MERRILL ANN GONZALES Poem Source First Line: You will see a shape Last Line: I know when I enter her threshold %there will be no leaving Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women JOURNEY TOWARD EVENING, by PHYLLIS MCGINLEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Fifty, not having expected to arrive here Last Line: But not to sleep. He finds it hard to sleep Alternate Author Name(s): Hayden, Charles, Mrs. Subject(s): Aging; Insomnia; Sleeplessness JOURNEY TOWARD EVENING, by PHYLLIS MCGINLEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Fifty, not having expected to arrive here Last Line: Fifty writes letters, dines, yawns, goes up early %but not to sleep. He finds it hard to sleep Alternate Author Name(s): Hayden, Charles, Mrs. Subject(s): Aging; Insomnia JOYS OF SEX, by ANN S. GOLDSMITH Poem Source First Line: Sometimes I worry about my reputation Last Line: Well, I can't help if I'm not dead yet Subject(s): Aging; Sex JUDICIUM PARIDIS, by EDWARD ROBERT BULWER-LYTTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I said, when young, 'beauty's the supreme joy' Last Line: Renders me back a saint unto myself! Alternate Author Name(s): Meredith, Owen; Lytton, 1st Earl Of; Lytton, Robert Subject(s): Beauty; Youth; Aging; Wisdom; Courtship; Time; Likes & Dislikes KIMONO, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: She would come in the mornings and we would undress as soon Last Line: The door. Her gone and me with the rest of the day. The kimono %in the dark closet full of her smell Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 KINSHIP, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Great-uncle wilhelm, mennonite, patriarch Last Line: Curse them but don't die. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Family Life; Food & Eating; Uncles; Relatives KNITTING, by BARBARA CROOKER Poem Source First Line: My grandmother's needles Last Line: I take words and knit them back in poems %something could be made of this Subject(s): Aging; Knitting; Old Age; Women KODIAK WIDOW, by SHEILA BUNKER NICKERSON Poem Source First Line: The curtains speak to me Last Line: The curtains hold the news %the gossip of flying geese and tears Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women LA GITANA NARANJA, by MARIE HENRY Poem Source First Line: She carries soil inside her belly Last Line: She invites you %into her eyes Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women LADY THINKS SHE IS THIRTY, by OGDEN NASH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Unwillingly miranda wakes Last Line: Hold old is spring, miranda/ Subject(s): Aging LAMENT FOR GLASGERION, by ELINOR WYLIE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The lovely body of the dead Alternate Author Name(s): Benet, William Rose, Mrs. Subject(s): Death; Soul; Solitude; Aging; Dead, The; Loneliness LAMENTATION OF AN OLD HORSE, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: My clothing was once linsey wolsey fine Last Line: "it was over hedges, ditches, likewise gates and stiles" Subject(s): Aging;animals;horses;lament LAST, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: I look up Last Line: I lie still at last %a leaf fallen Subject(s): Aging LAST FLOWERING, by MARY WOLFERS TRESSLER Poem Source First Line: She grew a riot of roses Last Line: I see the final garden %bloom - on two thin arms Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women LASTING, by WILLIAM DEWITT SNODGRASS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Fish oils,' my doctor snorted, 'and oily fish Last Line: The heart's tough muscle-weak still in gratitude Alternate Author Name(s): Gardons, S. S.; Mcconnell, Will; Snodgrass, W. D. Subject(s): Aging; Dieting; Food And Eating; Health LATE LOVE, by LORNA TALLENT KIDWELL Poem Text First Line: Serene and calm they were Last Line: "of course. What better time, my dear?" Subject(s): Aging LATE REFLECTIONS, by BABETTE DEUTSCH Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: Old and sick, you turn away from mirrors Last Line: But the love that illumines reason required that, %after a death in the house, mirrors be covered Alternate Author Name(s): Yarmolinsky, Avrahm, Mrs. Subject(s): Aging; Death; Mirrors LEAF, by DAVID IGNATOW Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A leaf is spiralling directly at the tall grass Last Line: To find itself a place on earth Variant Title(s): Leaving The Door Open: 4 Subject(s): Aging; Environment; Nature LEARNED RESPONSE, by PENNY HARTER Poem Source First Line: As the nurse shifts nana in her coma Last Line: And that tuft od gray hair %holding on Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women LEAVETAKING, by WILLIAM WATSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pass, thou wild light Last Line: Pass thou away. Alternate Author Name(s): Watson, John William Subject(s): Aging LEGACY, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: In this my final season Last Line: And silence is peace Subject(s): Aging LEGACY, by JACK T. LEDBETTER Poem Source First Line: Mother... %we rode along the river in silence Last Line: Not calling you %anymore Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women LET'S NOT CLIMB THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT TONIGHT, by OGDEN NASH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Listen, children, if you'll only stop throwing peanuts and bananas into my cage Last Line: At least, unless the elevator's out of order Subject(s): Aging LETTERS FROM THE COAST, by REGINA DECORMIER-SHEKERJIAN Poem Source First Line: In this sea-riddled town of fogs and salt Last Line: And she walks to the hen house Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women LETTERS TO YESENIN: 4, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am four years older than you but scarcely an unwobbling Last Line: I fed my dying dog a pound of beef and buried her happy in the barnyard. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Desire; Poetry & Poets; Regret; Yesenin, Sergei (1895-1925) LIES, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I am not so sure you are stewardess as you say Last Line: Remake then into new lies %send them spinning Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 LIFE, by MRS. F. S. SMITH Poem Text First Line: We enter life's vale like the rising sun Last Line: And cross the bar and yield to fate. Subject(s): Aging; Life LIFE, by ELKANAH EAST TAYLOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Just as the plum - tree lifts its ivory flower Last Line: Somehow, somewhere to seek the spring again! Subject(s): Aging; Change; Life LIFE'S SECRETS, by ELIZA TIMBERLAKE DAVIS Poem Text First Line: The dreams of youth to ripe fruition never came Last Line: The secrets of life's day with me abide. Subject(s): Aging; Friendship; Secrets LIGHT, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: She is telling me about a machine that creates light Last Line: Even now, in this cold of early march Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 LIGHT IN THE HALL, by MARK WARREN HALPERIN Poem Source First Line: Past eighty, she carried one suitcase stuffed Last Line: Says: the stairs start here, don't fall Alternate Author Name(s): Halperin, Mark Subject(s): Aging LIKE MIST ON A MOUNTAIN TOP BROKEN AND GRAY, by WILLIAM MOTHERWELL Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Whose feast of young smiles I may never share more! Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, Isaac Subject(s): Youth; Aging LINES ON GROWING OLD, by JAMES RYDER RANDALL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I know not why, in my old age Last Line: So I, one day, to god ascend! Subject(s): Aging; Heaven; Life; Paradise LINES ON MY THIRTY-NINTH BIRTHDAY, by JOHN GODFREY SAXE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ah me!-the moments will not stay! Last Line: At twice the count of thirty-nine! Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays; Time; Youth LINES TO A DESERTED STUDY, by SILAS WEIR MITCHELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Hush! Feel ye not around us teem Last Line: Tread gently, we were flowers. Subject(s): Aging; Life; Time; Youth LINES WRITTEN IN DEJECTION, by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When have I last looked on Last Line: I must endure the timid sun. Alternate Author Name(s): Yeats, W. B. Subject(s): Aging LIQUID CRYSTAL THOUGHTS, by CARTER REVARD Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Looking through windshields at sixty-three Last Line: All venice, titian's colors and the sea Alternate Author Name(s): Nompewathe Subject(s): Aging; Depressions, Economic; Native Americans; Oklahoma; Osage Indians; Vision LITTLE FELLER, by PHIL PERKINS Poem Text First Line: Little feller - sure you knew him Last Line: Don't you pity grown-up men? Subject(s): Aging; Boys; Youth LIZARD, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Shadow seared in stucco %you were here at the beginning your Last Line: Lizard who can go all week %on one quick, tongueful of rain Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 LOITER, by FORREST GANDER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Transience; Aging; Impermanence LOOKING AT AGING FACES, by ROBERT BLY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Some faces get older and remain who they are. Oh Last Line: Who we are Subject(s): Aging; Faces LOOKING AT AGING FACES, by ROBERT BLY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Some faces get older and remain who they are. Oh Last Line: By glimpsing us just after we wake, %who we are Subject(s): Aging; Faces LOOKING FORWARD TO AGE, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I will walk down to a marina Last Line: Like orphans in this endless century of war. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging LORE, by RONALD STUART THOMAS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Job davies, eighty-five / winters old, and still alive Alternate Author Name(s): Thomas, R. S. Subject(s): Aging LORE, by RONALD STUART THOMAS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Job davies, eighty-five %winters old, and still alive Last Line: Live large, man, and dream small Alternate Author Name(s): Thomas, R. S. Subject(s): Aging LOST ILLUSIONS, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, for the veils of my far away youth Last Line: [or, shielding my heart from the blaze of truth!] Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Variant Title(s): Illusion Subject(s): Aging; Hallucinations & Illusions; Innocence LOST LAD, by AMY MAY ROGERS Poem Text First Line: The lad I love shall be as straight Last Line: "who always walked this way?" Subject(s): Aging; Love - Loss Of LOVE AND OLD AGE, by JAMES HERVEY HYSLOP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Just like a boy Last Line: Waiting for thee. Subject(s): Aging; Hearts; Love LOVE POEMS OF MARICHIKO: 54, by KENNETH REXROTH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I hate this shadow of a ghost Last Line: And wonder, have I grown so thin? Subject(s): Aging LOVE'S EVENING, by ANNA C. CARRAHER Poem Text First Line: Love cannot always burn at noonday heat Last Line: And wait, with you, the coming of the night. Subject(s): Aging; Love - Marital; Memory; Youth; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love LOVER'S LANE, by DORIS W. INSCHO Poem Text First Line: No more we sit in 'lover's lane' with moonlight shining clear Last Line: For lovers' lane, -- oh, lover dear, to think it tested real! Subject(s): Aging; Love MADONNA, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: That day I rang the wrong bell %you answered the door bare breasted Last Line: Like a sable stole. I feel your presence %I say, it's a damn shame, love is Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 MADRIGAL, by WILLIAM DRUMMOND OF HAWTHORNDEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This world a hunting is Last Line: Old age with stealing pace %casts on his nets, and there we panting die Alternate Author Name(s): Drummond, William Variant Title(s): The World A Gam Subject(s): Aging; Death MAN AND TREE, by RONALD STUART THOMAS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Study this man; he is older than the tree Last Line: Even as an oak tree when its leaves are shed, %more in old silence than in youthful song Alternate Author Name(s): Thomas, R. S. Subject(s): Aging MANTALK, by GREG HEWETT Poem Source First Line: I was born when you were 29 Last Line: Of the language of men Subject(s): Aging; Birth; Fathers; Men MANTEL PHOTOGRAPHS., by RICHARD STRAW Poem Source Last Line: Under dish towels Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women MARATHON, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Aging; Running & Runners MAUDIE PURTLEBAUGH'S HOUSE, by LISA VICE Poem Source Last Line: While she shows me which stamps %to save for my book Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women MEDICAL TESTS, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My periodontist thought that enzio pinza Last Line: Suddenly dawned on me %that I've put a bunch of kids in charge %of my life Subject(s): Aging MEMORIES, by ELEANOR MCGUIRE Poem Source First Line: I can't remember names anymore Last Line: I remember it all %so well Subject(s): Aging; Memory MEMORY, by RALPH BURNS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Didn't I think of the clasp Last Line: Out of the wild time unseen, sweet flower of improvisation Subject(s): Golf; Aging MEMORY AS A HEARING AID, by TONY HOAGLAND Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Somewhere, someone is asking a question, Last Line: And everybody passes Subject(s): Memory; Aging MEN AT FORTY, by DONALD JUSTICE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Behind their mortgaged houses Subject(s): Aging; Labor And Laborers; Middle Age MEN IMPROVE WITH THE YEARS, by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am worn out with dreams Last Line: Among the streams. Alternate Author Name(s): Yeats, W. B. Subject(s): Aging; Men; Regret MENUS BEHIND WINDOWS WITH FLOWERS, by GERHARD FALKNER Poem Source First Line: Too many women and all of them too near Last Line: Must reckon each dark shade a returning soldier Subject(s): Aging; Women MID-LIFE, by ROBIN BECKER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Almost everyone at art camp wears %a full head of dark hair. Mornings Last Line: In this glade of light and leaves that I might %mistake myself for a bear, a deer Subject(s): Aging; Life MIDDLE AGE, by MARIAN DE ZEEUW Poem Source First Line: Probably %when the tightly furled Last Line: As to pierce %the garden %wall Subject(s): Aging; Middle Age MIDDLE-AGE ENTHUSIASMS, by THOMAS HARDY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We passed where flag and flower Last Line: "our thoughts will reach this nook no more." Subject(s): Aging; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers MIDGET'S LAMENT SUNG FROM A ROOFTOP, by MATT ROHRER Poem Source First Line: One ant switching from one blade of grass Last Line: In search of a woman exactly like you Subject(s): Aging MIDPOINT, by JOHN UPDIKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Of nothing bur me, me Last Line: Which brought me this far; henceforth, if I can, %I must impersonate a reasonable man Subject(s): Aging; Family Life; Life; Self MINE ENEMY IS GROWING OLD, by EMILY DICKINSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Tis starving makes it fat — Subject(s): Enemies; Aging; Revenge MIRROR, by SYLVIA PLATH Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Ted, Mrs. Subject(s): Aging; Self MIRROR, by SYLVIA PLATH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions Last Line: Rises toward her day after day, like a terrible fish Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Ted, Mrs. Subject(s): Aging; Self MISTAKEN LIGHTS: A PORTRAIT OF ATTA, by GARY SCHROEDER Poem Source First Line: With the children raised and gone Last Line: Reaching out to measure %the distances to nothing Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women MOMENT OF TRUTH, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: The trees know Last Line: It's time for her %to know Subject(s): Aging MONNA INNOMINATA, A SONNET OF SONNETS: 14, by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Youth gone, and beauty gone if ever there Last Line: Silence of love that cannot sing again. Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina Subject(s): Aging; Poetry & Poets; Women - Heroes MOON, THE STARS., by GARY ASPENBERG Poem Source Last Line: An empty cup Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women MORE LOVELY GROWS THE EARTH, by HELENA COLEMAN Poem Source Subject(s): Aging MORE QUESTIONS, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Face life, or no face lift - that is the Last Line: And when did we decide 'mature' %when what we all still crave is the %whole plateful? Subject(s): Aging MORE THAN FIFTY, by JACK GILBERT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Out of money, so I'm sitting in the shade Subject(s): Aging MORE THAN FIFTY, by JACK GILBERT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Out of money, so I'm sitting in the shade Last Line: With my water colors as a child. %so what, I think happily. So what! Subject(s): Aging MORNING, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: And the large stones in my head %coming to rest Last Line: The current helping a little towards dawn Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 MOTETS: 19, by EUGENIO MONTALE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The reed that sheds its Last Line: And time passes Subject(s): Aging MOTHER, by CATHARINE CARSTENSEN Poem Text First Line: Mother sits in the old armchair Last Line: Children and mother, a loyal pair. Subject(s): Aging; Mothers; Mothers & Daughters MOTHER AND DAUGHTER; AN UNCOMPLETED SONNET SEQUENCE: 17, by AUGUSTA DAVIES WEBSTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: And how could I grow old while she's so young? Last Line: Not burdening age, with her, could make me chilled. Alternate Author Name(s): Home, Cecil; Webster, Mrs. Julia Augusta Subject(s): Aging; Mothers & Daughters MR. P, by GLEN DOWNIE Poem Source First Line: His silence is absolute %oracular Last Line: & becomes all eyes %a small down-cellar god Subject(s): Aging; Growth; Men MURIAS, by WILLIAM SHARP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In the sunken city of murias Last Line: In the city of murias. Alternate Author Name(s): Macleod, Fiona Subject(s): Aging; Cities; Love; Sea; Youth; Urban Life; Ocean MURMURS FROM THE EARTH OF THIS LAND, by MURIEL RUKEYSER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography Subject(s): Aging; Nature MUSINGS, by EDWARD HEBENTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In days bygone mayhap I dream'd the laurel might be mine Last Line: I know not, nor would I aspire to higher form of bliss. Subject(s): Aging; Muses; Past MY BABY SISTER HAS A BEAU, by WILLIAM STEWARD GORDON Poem Text First Line: Of all the changes back at home Last Line: When girls begin to have a beau. Subject(s): Aging; Sisters MY BIRTHDAY; OCTOBER 20, 1927, by OLIVER MURRAY EDWARDS Poem Text First Line: Sixty-five years ago today Last Line: Dwell in my soul and heart. Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays; Memory MY CUP IS NEARLY EMPTY, by BEULAH RUSSELL MORGAN Poem Text First Line: My cup is nearly empty now Last Line: As my cup I daily tip. Subject(s): Aging; Drinks & Drinking; Wine MY FAMILY LIVES ON ORPHAN PEAK, by CHIH-TU CHUEH Poem Source Last Line: But I'll hand on my way to my children Subject(s): Aging; Zen Buddhism MY FATHER'S BIRTHDAY, by ELIZABETH ZELVIN Poem Source First Line: My mother doesn't want to give the party Last Line: Rather pleased about it all %and says: I am an ancient man Subject(s): Aging; Fathers; Psychoanalysis; Relationships; Worry MY MOTHER, by BEULAH VICK BICKLEY Poem Text First Line: My mother, dear; most beautiful Last Line: Where love binds you to me. Subject(s): Aging; Mothers MY MOTHER GROWING OLD, by JACK ANDERSON Poem Source First Line: Shortly after she had to move into the nursing home Last Line: I said goodbye and we parted Subject(s): Aging; Mothers; Travel MY MOTHER IN PROVINCETOWN, by ELIZABETH ZELVIN Poem Source First Line: Mother, now pushing ninety Last Line: The men are pretty and the women are strong! Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays; Mothers; Psychoanalysis; Relationships MY MOTHER'S GRAVE, by LUCILE SLADE MCAULEY Poem Source First Line: I seldom went to see you %in the nursing home. I don't know why Last Line: I'd mourn some part of me that %died long years ago Subject(s): Aging; Death; Mothers; Nursing Homes MY MOTHER'S HANDS, by ANNA MIKESELL BYERS Poem Text First Line: Soft and gentle Last Line: Of my dear mother's hands. Subject(s): Aging; Hands; Mothers MY OLD WOMAN, by NORMA ALMQUIST Poem Source First Line: I'm shaping my old woman, I would say Last Line: Her eyes look out through mine, confront the stare; %we start to walk out past where we have been Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women MY YOUTH, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My youth was my old age Last Line: Till this late hour. Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Aging; Youth NATALITIUM: MARTIJ 13, 1643, by JOSEPH BEAUMONT Poem Text First Line: What rash & hasty things are yeares, wch run Last Line: Can swell so high, as is thy heavn, & thee. Subject(s): Aging; Mortality; Prayer; Time NATURALIST, by LEONARD EDWARD NATHAN Poem Source First Line: Nature led him blindly Last Line: To call it, singing home Subject(s): Aging; Nature NATURE'S LITTLE COMPENSATION, by S. MINANEL Poem Source First Line: Beauty's depressed and tries to hid Last Line: (she never looked good anyhow!) Subject(s): Aging; Beauty NAY, by LOUISE CHANDLER MOULTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Shall we grow old together? Last Line: We, too, will wait our spring. Alternate Author Name(s): Chandler, Ellen Louise Subject(s): Aging NEIGHBOR, by SHEILA BUNKER NICKERSON Poem Source First Line: Suppose that old woman Last Line: And saw her there, %a tiny nest of roots Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women NEIGHBOR ON HER., by ZHANNA P. RADER Poem Source Last Line: Even just the so-so folks Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women NEW CREATION, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: At night %we go down a long slide Last Line: Of trees and (for awhile) %we're safe again Subject(s): Aging NEW HEARING AID., by ELIZABETH SEARLE LAMB Poem Source Last Line: Adjusting it, she tunes in %on crickets Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women NEW SPRING: 8, by CHI-HA KIM Poem Source First Line: I wonder %how old I really am Last Line: Even a blade of grass %and me Subject(s): Aging; Future Life NEW WOMAN BLUES, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Inside my white armor I am covered with hair and lice Last Line: That's the hardest thing of all you'll have to bear Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 NEWS FROM AN OLD WOMAN, by IRENE BLAIR HONEYCUTT Poem Source First Line: In her seventies one night Last Line: Get up and set out tobacco %or scrub the kitchen floor Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women NEXT DAY, by RANDALL JARRELL Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Moving from cheer to joy, from joy to all Subject(s): Aging; Housewives; Middle Age; Wisdom NEXT DAY, by RANDALL JARRELL Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Moving from cheer to joy, from joy to all Last Line: Confused with my life, that is commonplace and solitary Subject(s): Aging; Housewives; Middle Age; Wisdom NIGHT GRANDFATHER DIED, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: You were twice a child Last Line: Your baby ancient eyes %and you became a man Subject(s): Aging NIGHT PLACES, by MICHAEL BEIRNE MCMAHON Poem Source First Line: Where have we been when the rest home's Last Line: That hasn't been used in years Subject(s): Aging; Night NIGHT SCENE, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Head bent %against the rain and wind Last Line: Waiting to be claimed Subject(s): Aging NIGHT WATCH, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Alone %on my bed, I listen Last Line: This will not be a night for sleeping Subject(s): Aging NINETIETH BIRTHDAY, by RONALD STUART THOMAS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You go up the long track Last Line: Is lean kindly across the abyss %to hear words that were once wise Alternate Author Name(s): Thomas, R. S. Subject(s): Aging NINETY YEARS TODAY., by CAROL DAGENHARDT Poem Source Last Line: Resting on her bed Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women NINETY-ONE TODAY., by DOROTHEA L. DUNNING Poem Source Last Line: Waving old glory Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women NINETY-SIX, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: Swedenborg's angels dance, advance Last Line: When you take your lover for a walk Subject(s): Aging; Swedenborg, Emanuel (1688-1772); Wisdom NINON! QUE FAIS-TU DE LA VIW?, by BORRIES FREIHERR VON MUNCHHAUSEN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: What are you making out of life Last Line: When you grow old, ninon! Subject(s): Aging; Life; Youth NO -- LEAVE MY HEART TO REST, by THOMAS MOORE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: No -- leave my heart to rest, if rest it may Last Line: Since youth, and love, and hope, have passed away. Alternate Author Name(s): Little, Thomas Subject(s): Aging NO WINGS, NO FLOWERING TREE, by VIVIAN SMALLWOOD Poem Text First Line: We missed the perfect moment after all Last Line: And missed the perfect moment after all. Subject(s): Aging NODDING OFF, by SHARON KOUROUS Poem Source First Line: Peering through the microscope of middle age Last Line: Though magnified, still tends to disappear Subject(s): Aging; Middle Age NOT GEORGE WASHINGTON'S, NOT ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S, BUT MINE, by OGDEN NASH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Well, here I am thirty-eight Last Line: Why I am very proud and happy to ne thirty-eight Subject(s): Aging NOT IN THE DAY NOR IN THE NIGHT, by CHAIM NACHMAN BIALIK Poem Source First Line: Not in the day nor in the night Last Line: Just not an old man, just not an old man! Alternate Author Name(s): Bialik, Hayim Nahman; Byalik, Chaim Nachman Subject(s): Aging NOT IN VAIN I WAITED, by JEAN INGELOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She was but a child, a child Last Line: Down the dell she's coming -- coming, coming with me. Subject(s): Aging; Children; Love; Waiting; Childhood NOT SOUR GRAPES, by RICHARD THOMAS LE GALLIENNE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I'm not sorry I am older, love - are you? Last Line: Life was such a serious business at the start! Subject(s): Aging; Contentment NOTES ON AGING, by JO-ANN MAPSON Poem Source First Line: Beneath me he slows, halts Last Line: Dream about it for fifty years, %you grow wise Subject(s): Aging; Ranch Life NOVELS IN HAIKU: SIX: THE EPIC, by ALYCE MILLER Poem Source First Line: Span continents, jump generations. Worms of unhappiness speed %death Last Line: Ancient, she poisoned her husband for reasons unknown, lived three %more (blissful) decades Subject(s): Aging; Life NURSE, by DAVID IGNATOW Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The old man who can undress before you Last Line: Of your respect to his side Subject(s): Aging; Nurses NURSING HOME LOBBY., by EDWARD J. RIELLY Poem Source Last Line: How long it's been Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women NURSING-HOME HALL., by CHARLES B. DICKSON Poem Source Last Line: Are you my son? Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women OAK TREE IN THE ROAD, by KEITH VAN VLIET Poem Source First Line: It was as a young man I first saw the tree Last Line: And the miracle of all existence Subject(s): Aging; Life; Oak Trees OBSERVATION, by LARS LUNDKVIST Poem Source First Line: The shadows of the trees Last Line: Primeval, unfathomable Subject(s): Aging; Childhood Memories; Shadows ODE, by ANACREON Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: Tis true, my fading years decline Alternate Author Name(s): Anakreon; Anacreontea Subject(s): Aging; Drinks & Drinking; Drinks & Drinking; Wine; Wine ODE, by ANACREON Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: Fly not thus my brow of snow Alternate Author Name(s): Anakreon; Anacreontea Subject(s): Aging; Drinks & Drinking; Wine ODE, by ANACREON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: He has few hairs, only about the ears Last Line: Lover from whom there is no moving on Alternate Author Name(s): Anakreon; Anacreontea Subject(s): Aging ODE, by QUINTUS HORATIUS FLACCUS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: See how the hills are candied o'er with snow Last Line: Dissolve the weather by the strength of wine. Alternate Author Name(s): Horace Subject(s): Aging ODE TO YOUTH IN MEMORY, by GEORGE MEREDITH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Days, when the ball of our vision Last Line: Of all the world, we peck at and are filled. Subject(s): Aging; Mythology; Youth ODES I, 25. TO LYDIA, AGING, by QUINTUS HORATIUS FLACCUS Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Less often now do yeasty youths arrogantly Last Line: And dark myrtle, while withered foliage is consigned to eurus, winter's wind Alternate Author Name(s): Horace Subject(s): Aging OEDIPUS BLIND, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My eyes which are not there %move as I say this Last Line: You cannot know what this was like %the smell of her Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 OLD, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I have seen peoples come and go Last Line: So, dearest god, take me, take me. Subject(s): Aging OLD, by RALPH HOYT Poem Text First Line: By the wayside, on a mossy stone Last Line: By the wayside, on a mossy stone. Subject(s): Adversity; Aging OLD, by DAVID IGNATOW Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The wonder is mine as she counts Last Line: I am growing old Subject(s): Aging OLD AGE, by JAMES HERVEY HYSLOP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: What mean the days and years that pass Last Line: Upon the silver wings of peace. Subject(s): Aging; Freedom; Grief; Memory; Past; Liberty; Sorrow; Sadness OLD AGE, by WILLIAM EDWARD HARTPOLE LECKY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Now the solemn shadows lengthen Last Line: Old men only ask for rest. Subject(s): Aging OLD AGE, by JANE T. MANDERSCHIED Poem Text First Line: She sits in her winged chair, enthroned Last Line: Again she sleeps. Subject(s): Aging; Chairs; Sleep OLD AGE MUST BE LIKE THIS, by MARILYN ZUCKERMAN Poem Source First Line: Alone and sick at three in the morning Last Line: Wonders who will feed her birds Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women OLD BEAU, by MARGARET PEACH VAUGHT Poem Source First Line: I saw him from across the street yesterday Last Line: I wouldn't want him to know. %I don't look the same Subject(s): Aging; Relationships OLD BILLY, by ROBERT SARGENT Poem Source First Line: Around the turn of the century, in montana Last Line: Than the breakfast she'd had this morning Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women OLD BONES, by RUTH COMFORT MITCHELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I heard them talking, muttering and mouthing Last Line: I'll be going gayly in my sweet, young flesh! Alternate Author Name(s): Young, Sanborn, Mrs. Subject(s): Aging; Bones OLD CHILD, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Old, I think like a child Last Line: A memory %nightly %in her room Subject(s): Aging OLD CHUMS, by ALICE CARY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Is it you, jack? Old boy, is it really you? Last Line: And I don't feel a day older, jack, not a day. Subject(s): Aging; Friendship OLD FOOLS, by PHILIP LARKIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What do they think has happened, the old fools Last Line: Not when the strangers come? Never, throughout %the whole hideous inverted childhood? Well, %we shal Subject(s): Aging OLD HOUSE BLUES, by WILLIAM KULIK Poem Source First Line: Everyone's here, and because I love old things, I've rented a grand victorian Last Line: Just the old odors - floor polish, cedar, sachet - and a single rose Subject(s): Aging; Houses OLD HOUSES, by RUTH WHITMAN Poem Source First Line: I wear this house like a barrel Last Line: How come this new me %is looking out of an old house Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women OLD LADY, by ROBERT SARGENT Poem Source First Line: Here's the old lady, dumped by her daughter Last Line: And throwing her head back, says, with some pride, %'I counted twelve planes.' Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women OLD LADY AND THE STATION WAGON, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: The other day I was walking home Last Line: The street cleaners come tomorrow Subject(s): Aging OLD MAN SITTING, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: The bones are brittle Last Line: They say he feels no pain Subject(s): Aging OLD MAN WITH A DOG, by CAROLYN D. WRIGHT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Climbing the hill Last Line: What will I do? %how will I live? Alternate Author Name(s): Wright, C. D. Subject(s): Aging; Old Age OLD MAN'S SENSE, by RENNIE MCQUILKIN Poem Source First Line: Of time is shot. Now he is five in indian head dress Last Line: Across the cream and umber landscape of his bride Subject(s): Aging; Memory OLD MEN, by KATHRYN MARIS Poem Source First Line: Dad said my ass was getting fat Last Line: A kindred artist of a different kind, %the kind of artist I won't be again Subject(s): Aging; Art And Artists; Men; Old Age OLD MEN, by OGDEN NASH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: People expect old men to die Subject(s): Aging OLD MEN, by OGDEN NASH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: People expect old men to die Last Line: People watch with unshooked eyes; %but the old men know when an old man dies Subject(s): Aging OLD MOUNTAIN, by HWANG JINI Poem Source First Line: Old mountain, here you are still Last Line: Coming to me, going away Subject(s): Absence; Aging; Love - Loss Of OLD OAK TABLE., by DAVID ELLIOT Poem Source Last Line: Follow the grain Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women OLD OR YOUNG, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poem Text Poet Analysis First Line: I questioned poetry, say, I said Last Line: Reprove me for my folly. Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Aging OLD WOMAN, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Her hair, pale and wispy Last Line: She can't wait. She starts to eat Subject(s): Aging OLD WOMAN, by HARRIET ROSENBAUM Poem Source First Line: The old woman sits on top of the mountain Last Line: Dying I still hear that old woman Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women OLD WOMAN, by RONALD STUART THOMAS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Her days are measured out in pails of water Last Line: A high, shrill, mirthless laugh, half cough, half whistle, %tuneless and dry as east wind through a Alternate Author Name(s): Thomas, R. S. Subject(s): Aging OLD WOMAN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, by BERWYN MOORE Poem Source First Line: We drive by an old woman Last Line: She separates the wheat from the chaff Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women OLD WOMAN OPENS HER DOOR., by ZHANNA P. RADER Poem Source Last Line: Into the night Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women OLD WOMAN SO FAT., by CARROW DE VRIES Poem Source Last Line: She'd be an omnibus Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women OLD WOMAN'S PRIDE, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: I fought the battle Last Line: Nights I'm afraid %alone Subject(s): Aging OLD WOMAN'S SONG III, by DELLA CYRUS Poem Source First Line: You wouldn't think just one more falling tooth Last Line: Enjoy the whole catastrophe Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women OLD WOMAN, ESKIMO, by COLETTE INEZ Poem Source First Line: Her singing makes %the rain fall Last Line: For her children %to hear later on Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women OLD WOMAN., by DOROTHY MCLAUGHLIN Poem Source Last Line: For someone else's rainy day Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women OLD WOMAN., by JR. CHARLES D. NETHAWAY Poem Source Last Line: One after the other Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women OLD WOMAN; REST HOME, by NORMA ALMQUIST Poem Source First Line: They fed me breakfast three times Last Line: I can't seem to get ready %for what's going to happen Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women OLD-MADE, by JOHN BANISTER TABB Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The greater mystery it is Last Line: Of much mature reflection. Alternate Author Name(s): Father Tabb Subject(s): Aging; Selectivity OLIVES, by DONALD HALL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Dead people don't like olives Subject(s): Aging; Olives; Death; Dead, The ON A BRIGHT WINTER DAY, by WILLIAM DEAN HOWELLS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Foolish old heart, as glad of wind and sun Last Line: Off, mocking fear, and let the young heart play! Alternate Author Name(s): Howells, W. D. Subject(s): Aging; Youth ON A PARCHED NOVEMBER CARPET, by BARBARA L. THOMAS Poem Source First Line: Oak leaves and maple Last Line: Mother chooses not to hear %begins another story %safer Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women ON AGE, by WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pleasures! Away; they please no more Last Line: This is the time our eyes should close. Subject(s): Aging ON AGING, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When you see me sitting quietly Subject(s): Aging; Labor & Laborers; Women; Work; Workers ON AGING, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When you see me sitting quietly Last Line: A lot less lungs and much less wind. %but ain't I lucky I can still breathe in Subject(s): Aging; Labor And Laborers; Women ON BEING SEVENTY-FIVE, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: My mind's a freeway Last Line: Killed on impact.' Subject(s): Aging ON BEING SIXTY, by PO CHU-YI Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Between thirty and forty, one is distracted by the five lusts Last Line: "not to complain of three-score, ""the time of obedient ears." Alternate Author Name(s): Bai Juyi; Bo Juyi; Po Chu-i; Lo T'ien; Jyu-yi Subject(s): Aging; China - Tang Dynasty (618-905) ON CHANGE OF OPINIONS, by VICTOR GUSTAVE PLARR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: As you advance in years you long Last Line: To rake into his bag of nought. Subject(s): Aging; Children; Death; Growth; Longing; Maturity; Childhood; Dead, The ON GROWING OLD, by JOHN MASEFIELD Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Be with me, beauty, for the fire is dying Last Line: Even the night will blossom as the rose. Alternate Author Name(s): Masefield, John Edward Subject(s): Aging ON HIMSELFE (18), by ROBERT HERRICK Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Young I was, but now am old Last Line: That our love out-lasts our yeeres. Subject(s): Aging ON HIS BEING [OR, HAVING] ARRIVED AT THE AGE OF TWENTY-THREE, by JOHN MILTON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How soon hath time, the subtle thief of youth Last Line: As ever in my great task-master's eye. Variant Title(s): Sonnet: 7;on Reaching Twenty-three;on His Birthday;on Reaching Age 23;how Soon Hath Time Subject(s): Aging; Ambition; Holidays; New Year ON HIS PITIABLE TRANSFORMATION, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I who was young so long Last Line: I who was young so long. Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Subject(s): Aging; Youth ON MY BIRTHDAY, by ROSE HIRSHMAN Poem Source First Line: Septuagenary body %you serve me well Last Line: I've spun, I've spun %seventy times - %ellipsing the sun! Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women ON MY THIRTY-THIRD BIRTHDAY, by GEORGE GORDON BYRON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Through life's dull road, so dim and dirty, Last Line: Nothing -- except thirty-three. Alternate Author Name(s): Byron, Lord; Byron, 6th Baron Subject(s): Aging ON THE DEATH OF A FAVOURITE OLD SPANIEL, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And they have drowned thee then at last! Poor phillis Last Line: Of their own charity, may envy thee! Subject(s): Aging; Animals; Death - Animals; Dogs; Drowning; Future Life; Grief; Loss; Retribution; Eternity; After Life; Sorrow; Sadness ON THE EVE OF MY THIRTY-FIFTH BIRTHDAY, by DEBRA KANG DEAN Poem Source First Line: I do not think I'll dye Last Line: Of erections that will last Alternate Author Name(s): Dean, Debi Kang Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays; Life ON THE GROWTH OF HAIR IN MIDDLE AGE, by KJELL HJERN Poem Source First Line: No poem has yet been written Last Line: These wretched scenes of everyday life Subject(s): Aging; Growth; Hair; Science ON THE ROAD, by ADELINE M. JENNEY Poem Text First Line: The road is swung out across the great plain Last Line: Over long, snowy roads—to some sunrise! Subject(s): Aging; Life ON THE TAKING OF NAMUR, by MATTHEW PRIOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The town which louis bought, nassau reclaims Last Line: He had stunned the dame, his thunder in his hand. Subject(s): Aging; Thunder; Towns ON TOMBSTONE OF MARGARET SCOTT; MIDLOTHIAN, 1738, AGED 125, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Stop, passenger, until my life you read Last Line: Such desolations in my life have been, %I have an end of all perfection seen Subject(s): Aging ONE FLESH, by ELIZABETH JENNINGS Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis First Line: Lying apart now, each in a separate bed Last Line: These two who are my father and my mother %whose fire from which I came, has now grown cold? Subject(s): Aging; Parents; Women ONE THING WE GOT PLENTY OF, by GLEN DOWNIE Poem Source First Line: Heavy equipment %squats for sale out front Last Line: Yep wind is one thing %we got plenty of up here Subject(s): Aging; Sickness; Wind ORACLE, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: On the altar the flies of god %swarm on the pomegranates and roasted oxen Last Line: And when finally we stop speaking %it pins us to the ground Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 ORGAN SONGS: A PRAYER FOR THE PAST, by GEORGE MACDONALD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All sights and sounds of day and year Last Line: What home is too may know? Subject(s): Aging; Children; Christianity; Death; Future Life; God; Life; Prayer; Childhood; Dead, The; Retribution; Eternity; After Life ORGAN SONGS: TO MY AGING FRIENDS, by GEORGE MACDONALD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is no winter night comes down Last Line: We are coming fast to you! Subject(s): Aging; Death; Friendship; God; Dead, The OSTEOPOROSIS, by ROBIN BECKER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Awake, you wonder how to turn, if Last Line: Preparing to recite %the blessing before the meal Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women OUR FATHER AT 80 HAS MOVED TO THE COUNTRY WHERE, by MARTHA RHODES Poem Source First Line: He's no longer poisoned Last Line: (squirrels steeping in wine) Subject(s): Aging; Country Life; Fathers OUR INDIAN SUMMER, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You'll believe me, dear boys, 't is a pleasure to rise Last Line: While we've youth in our hearts we can never grow old! Subject(s): Aging; Classmates; Schoolmates OVERSIGHT, by AVERY L. GILES Poem Text First Line: Years past, I trysted' neath the moon Last Line: My arteries would harden. Subject(s): Aging; Moon; Time PAPER CARP, by JANET B. MONTGOMERY MCGOVERN Poem Text First Line: To-day they drink the wind, the paper carp Last Line: And that of our wounded son. The gods are good. Subject(s): Aging; Paper PARENTS' PANTOUM; FOR MAXINE KUMIN, by CAROLYN KIZER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Where did these enormous children come from Last Line: We offspring of our enormous children. Subject(s): Aging; Children; Women's Rights; Childhood; Feminism PASSING GO, by WILLIAM PITT ROOT Poem Source First Line: Bowlegged behind her cane Last Line: Works every time now %don't it, dear? Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women PAST AND PRESENT, by THOMAS HOOD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I remember, I remember, / the house where I was born Last Line: Than when I was a boy. Variant Title(s): The Old House At Home;i Remember;stanzas Subject(s): Aging; Children; Memory; Religion; Time; Childhood; Theology PEEKABOO, I ALMOST SEE YOU, by OGDEN NASH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Middle-aged life is merry, and I love to lead it Last Line: I prefer to forget both pairs of glasses and pass my declining years saluting strange women and gran Subject(s): Aging PENANCE, by ELAINE HANDLEY Poem Source First Line: Three times a week she makes her way Last Line: And leaves for church %waiting for grace Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women PERFORMANCE, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: We know about the advertising executive who roller-skated Last Line: The receiver in my face and says: it's for you:it's the %white house Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 PERMANET MEMORIA, by JAMES LAUGHLIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Age has done its dreaded work Last Line: We can enflesh ourselves in memory Subject(s): Aging; Memory PERPETUALLY ATTEMPTING TO SOAR, by MARY RUEFLE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A boy from brooklyn used to cruise on summer nights. Subject(s): Likes & Dislikes; Wind; Breasts; Aging PHAN THIET, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: You speak to me %of walking through the village Last Line: The warmth passing %through your fingers and into your eyes Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 PHASES OF GIRLHOOD, by JANET HAMILTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: With fondest love and sweetest pleasure Last Line: He still preserves my virtuous girl. Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Janet Thompson Subject(s): Aging; Babies; Girls; Growth; Mothers & Daughters; Virtue; Infants PHOENIX, by IDA CAROTHERS MERRIAM Poem Text First Line: In time I'll leave this worn - out form Last Line: Old loves, we know they are not dead! Subject(s): Aging PICKING HIS WAY, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: James joyce walks down a laneway Last Line: Blind stylish man Subject(s): Aging; Change; Cities; Ireland; Joyce, James (1882-1941); Walking PICTURE OF OLD AGE, by PATTI TANA Poem Source First Line: Looking through her pictures Last Line: Her home echoes her own silence Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women PILGRIMS, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: She wears the decades like pearls round her neck Last Line: To the ageless mountain air Subject(s): Aging; Pearls; Pilgrims And Pilgrimages; Prayer PITY OLD WOMEN, by CALE YOUNG RICE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Pity old women who sit at windows Last Line: Waiting at windows 'til life ends. Subject(s): Aging; Life; Pity; Women PLACES 1. TWILIGHT (TUCSON), by SARA TEASDALE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Aloof as aged kings Last Line: "or a complete repose." Alternate Author Name(s): Filsinger, Ernest B., Mrs. Subject(s): Aging PLATITUDES GROW WITH AGE, by DEBORAH STAMBLER Poem Source First Line: There is little left now of the world I knew Last Line: That comes from gardens %and some would say age Subject(s): Aging PLEASURE-BOAT, by RICHARD HENRY DANA (1787-1879) Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Come, hoist the sail, the fast let go! Last Line: My head is growing gray Subject(s): Aging; Boats; Nature PLEASURES OF AN ORDINARY LIFE, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I've had my share of necessary losses Last Line: Connection that help render us %complete. %ties that hold & heal us. And the sweet, %sweet pleasures Subject(s): Aging PLUM TREE IN BLOSSOM., by DOROTHEA L. DUNNING Poem Source Last Line: For great, great grandson Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women POEM, by FRANK O'HARA (1926-1966) Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All the mirrors in the world Last Line: Oh rain, melt me! Mirror, kill Subject(s): Aging; Mirrors; Perception POEM AT FORTY, by MOON CHUNGHEE Poem Source First Line: The number seems more honest than the poem Last Line: How a mere number crushes my spirit %into a wilted flower on the grass! Subject(s): Aging POEM AT THIRTY, by MICHAEL RYAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Aging POEM FOR A CLASS RE-UNION, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Whether we like it, or don't Last Line: Shall rally together to dine. Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Subject(s): Aging; Classmates; Past; Reunions; Time; Schoolmates POEM FOR GRANDMOTHER, by ALLAN DAVIS WINANS Poem Source First Line: A swirling mist blows through Last Line: She knew what %I meant Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women POEM ON MY BIRTHDAY FOR IRINA RATUSHINSKAYA, by DAVID CONSTANTINE Poem Source First Line: We have the day in common, also verses Last Line: Courage, %sister. Good courage, my white sister Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays; Human Rights POEMS, by ALAN DUGAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What's the balm Last Line: For the flowers anyhow Subject(s): Aging POEMS, by ALAN DUGAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What's the balm Subject(s): Aging POETIC EPIGRAMS: 27. AGE AND DEATH, by CALE YOUNG RICE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My fire has burnt so low Last Line: Is not a guest, I trow! Subject(s): Aging; Death; Dead, The POETRY OF AGING MEN, by PAUL ZIMMER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Avoiding shadows of heavy clouds Last Line: Before crumbling onto the snow crust Subject(s): Aging; Poetry And Poets POINT OF VIEW, by GLADYS HOUTZ Poem Text First Line: No heart for work Last Line: After all. Subject(s): Aging; Life POMEGRANATE WIDOW, by MONA ELAINE ADILMAN Poem Source First Line: Mrs pinsky perches on her gallery Last Line: She trips downstairs %to the delicatessen, and hopes mr. Klein is no prude Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women POND IN A JARDINERE: 1, by HAN YU Poem Source First Line: Old men are like little boys Last Line: Just like the time I went fishing at fang-k'ou Alternate Author Name(s): T'su-chih Subject(s): Aging PORCH ROCKER EMPTY., by H. F. NOYES Poem Source Last Line: Slowly climbs the steps Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women PORTRAIT, by LOUISE BOGAN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She has no need to fear the fall Alternate Author Name(s): Holden, Raymond, Mrs. Subject(s): Aging PORTRAIT OF A VERY OLD MAN, by SARA CARSLEY Poem Text First Line: The thrusting glance grows dim Last Line: Needs only earth. Subject(s): Aging; Mankind; Human Race POSTMORTEMS, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: On the way home with my husband Last Line: I finally understand what not to say %on the way home with my husband %from a %dinner party Subject(s): Aging POURRITURE NOBLE, by MARIE PONSOT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Never prophesy. Subject(s): Wine; Aging; Time PRESENT PERFECT, by GRACE SCHULMAN Poem Source First Line: I saw the cells on tv, as they swam Last Line: Slender but fortunate, built to last their day Subject(s): Aging; Marriage PRINCESS, by WALLACE WHATLEY Poem Source First Line: Out of the premiums he had paid she put a new front porch Last Line: Entice the newly planted, twining vines Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women PROFESSOR IS GETTING OLD, AND NO LONGER ENJOYS TEACHING, by GARY N. ATLIN Poem Source First Line: The young women sit in their rows and sing Last Line: How a woman took his fingers in her mouth %and gently bit the nails Subject(s): Aging; Teaching And Teachers PROGRESSION, by VIRGINIA WOODS MACKALL Poem Text First Line: When I first drew an author's breath Last Line: I'll know enough then not to sing. Subject(s): Aging; Writing & Writers; Youth PROLOGUE, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Am I dying here in this strange room Last Line: Unguarded, as I enter my own deepening dusk Subject(s): Aging PUTTING MY MOTHER TO BED, by LYN DIANE LIFSHIN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: She's shaking, shivering Last Line: You as they escape %in space Alternate Author Name(s): Lifshin, Lyn Subject(s): Aging; Beds; Mothers QUANTRAINS: YOUTH AND AGE, by FREDERIC ROWLAND MARVIN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Pleasure!' cries youth. 't is pleasure I demand Last Line: "and am content if quiet ease remain." Subject(s): Aging; Youth QUATRAIN: FROM EASTERN SOURCES: 1, by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In youth my hair was black as night Last Line: And that is black which once was white. Subject(s): Aging QUIET, by TONY HOAGLAND Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Prolonged exposure to death Last Line: Everything else is better Subject(s): Aging RABBI BEN EZRA, by ROBERT BROWNING Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Grow old along with me! Last Line: Let age approve of youth, and death complete the same! Subject(s): Aging; Jews; Religion; Worship; Judaism; Theology RADFORD SLANT ON AGEING, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: Retrospection is an art, sharp and debonair Last Line: By the silver in my hair.' Subject(s): Aging RAINY SUNDAY., by LOUISE SOMERS WINDER Poem Source Last Line: The mother's day card Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women READING HER THE NEWS., by JANE K. LAMBERT Poem Source Last Line: Who died today, dearie?' %she asks Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women READY OR NOT, by ROY JACOBSTEIN Poem Source First Line: Turning fifty I flip Last Line: Telling me I'm not too old Subject(s): Aging REFLECTIONS, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: I listen to the music when Last Line: Then covering my face with my hands %feel it shatter Subject(s): Aging REMEMBER - FORGET, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And what shall be the song tonight Last Line: And down goes twenty-nine! Subject(s): Aging; Classmates; Harvard University; Schoolmates REMEMBRANCE, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Man hath a weary pilgrimage Last Line: The days that are no more. Subject(s): Aging; Memory; Youth RENEWAL, by NORMAN ROWLAND GALE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Lake notice, cupid! Far too long Last Line: Swam in a mist of melted sighs. Subject(s): Aging; Desire; Man-woman Relationships; Male-female Relations REPLY TO ADVICE TO YOUTH, by MARION DOYLE Poem Text First Line: And what of old age without memories Last Line: And time stand still, and the last frail hope go blind. Alternate Author Name(s): Doyle, Marion Stauffer Subject(s): Advice; Aging; Youth RESOLUTION OF A POETICAL QUESTION CONCERNING FOUR RURAL SISTERS: 1, by CHARLES COTTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Alice is tall and upright as a pine Last Line: And (which is worse) too modest to consent. Variant Title(s): Two Rural Sisters: 1;resolution In Four Sonnets, Of A Poetical Question Put To Me By A 1 Subject(s): Aging; Love RETURN, WINTER 1994, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: This morning the old couple who live below Last Line: Go where there are other bodies, let their smalls overpower you %become small, one among many Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 RETURNING TO EARTH, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She / pulls the sheet of this dance Last Line: Let the predator love his prey. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Despair; Introspection; Magic; United States; America REVERIE AND INVOCATION, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Whether the rain comes down Subject(s): Aging; Memory REVERSING THE FIGURES, by JOHN GODFREY SAXE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Maria, just at twenty, swore Last Line: As better far than none! Subject(s): Aging; Likes And Dislikes; Man-woman Relationships; Male-female Relations REVISIONS: IMOGENE CUNNINGHAM AT NINETY, by DEBORAH BURNHAM Poem Source First Line: She had seventy years of images inside her head Last Line: The faces of the dead rise like late white lilies in the black water Subject(s): Aging; Memory RICH COMPANIONS, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poem Text Poet Analysis First Line: While I have these two rich companions left Last Line: Can age find any richer friends than these? Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Aging; Youth RIDDLE, by RUTH GENEVIEVE WORK IODICE Poem Source First Line: What goes on four legs Last Line: How comes my mother thus? Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women RIDDLE, by SUSAN FANTL SPIVACK Poem Source First Line: Gone wild, grown old Last Line: Apple tree, daughter of the hill Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women ROOM AND CHAIR, by GERARD DONOVAN Poem Source First Line: Fluorescence evens out the scenery in the ward Last Line: Nothing more of effort left %but the letting go Subject(s): Aging; Bicycles ROSETTE, by PIERRE JEAN DE BERANGER Poem Text First Line: Yes! I know you're very fair Last Line: As I used to love rosette! Subject(s): Aging; Longing; Love; Women RUFFIANS, by CHARLIE SMITH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When my father got old, but not too old Subject(s): Fathers; Aging RUNNING IN OXFORD, by CHRISTIAN KARLSON STEAD Poem Source First Line: Might you have done this Last Line: An elderly visitor %is running in oxford Subject(s): Aging; Oxford, England; Track Athletics SALE, by MARY KINZIE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Older now, he is among us in diminished form Last Line: At everything spread down there for sale Subject(s): Fathers; Aging SAVANNAH LADIES, by WALLACE WHATLEY Poem Source First Line: Two old ladies, friends since girls Last Line: And don't forget your taxi money Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women SCARY MOVIES, by KIM THERESA ADDONIZIO Poem Source First Line: Today the cloud shapes are terrifying Last Line: They're dead, and I'm older, %and I know better Subject(s): Aging; Death; Motion Pictures SCATTERED ASHES, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: We walk close, my husband and I Last Line: We touch shoulders %to hold ourselves together Subject(s): Aging SEAWARD, by EDWARD ROBERT BULWER-LYTTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The green grows ever greyer as we pass Last Line: From what has been. Perchance the end at last? Alternate Author Name(s): Meredith, Owen; Lytton, 1st Earl Of; Lytton, Robert Subject(s): Aging SECOND MARRIAGE, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: He is a recent widower, very eligible Last Line: Them feel just a %little bit fonder of each other's families, %they indent to get married Subject(s): Aging SEETA, by REETIKA VAZIRANI Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Thinking myself between cities Last Line: My life did not comprise me it was so brief Variant Title(s): Seeta In Her Old Age Subject(s): Aging; Life; Old Age SEETA, by REETIKA VAZIRANI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Thinking myself between cities Last Line: My life did not comprise me it was so brief Variant Title(s): Seeta In Her Old Ag Subject(s): Aging; Life; Old Age SELF-PORTRAIT, by ROBERT CREELEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: He wants to be/a brutal old man Subject(s): Aging; Love; Hate SELF-PORTRAIT, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: I listen to her Last Line: Who is everything %I once was Subject(s): Aging SELF-PORTRAIT, by MARY OLIVER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wish I was twenty and in love with life Subject(s): Aging; Regret SELLING TATTERED PEONIES, by YU XUANJI Poem Source First Line: Facing the wind, my sighs are stirred Last Line: That he has no way to buy Subject(s): Aging; China - Tang Dynasty (618-905); Peonies; Women SENESCENT LOVERS, by T. S. KERRIGAN Poem Source First Line: The andersons, grown old Last Line: Hiw strange that they'd insist %this latter love is lost Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women SENEX, by JOHN BETJEMAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh would I could subdue the flesh Last Line: Teach sulky lips to say, my lord, %that flaxen hair is dust Subject(s): Aging SENEX TO HIS FRIEND; ABOUT THE PERIOD OF A NEW YEAR, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Your hair is scant, my friend, and mine is scanter Last Line: May flood the heaven of soul with peace made deathless. Subject(s): Aging SENILITY, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: It happens %suddenly Last Line: When all you pick %are consonants Subject(s): Aging SENIOR, by RONALD STUART THOMAS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At sixty there are still fables Last Line: Thought comes to drink at that dark %pool, but goes away thirsty Alternate Author Name(s): Thomas, R. S. Subject(s): Aging SENRYU (65), by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Waiting for his turn Last Line: The d.Litt., ageing Subject(s): Aging SENSE OF PROPORTION, by KENNETH REXROTH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The old lion hunter and I Last Line: Will never come around again Subject(s): Aging; Death; Future; Hunting; Time; Dead, The; Hunters SENSE OF PROPORTION, by KENNETH REXROTH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The old lion hunter and I Last Line: Will never come round again Subject(s): Aging; Death; Future; Hunting; Time SEPARATE ROOMS, by DAVID IGNATOW Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We an aging couple Last Line: Lying in separate beds %in separate rooms Subject(s): Aging; Marriage SEVEN, by RUTH GENEVIEVE WORK IODICE Poem Source First Line: We were hardly the pleiades Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women SEVEN TIMES ONE [- CHILDHOOD. EXULTATION], by JEAN INGELOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There's no dew left on the daisies and clover Last Line: I am seven times one to-day. Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays; Children; Death; Flowers; Life; Childhood; Dead, The SEVENTIETH BIRTHDAY, by RONALD STUART THOMAS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Made of tissue and h2o Last Line: Can save nothing of you but your love Alternate Author Name(s): Thomas, R. S. Subject(s): Aging SEX, by HAYDEN CARRUTH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On the first few nights of the new year, a week Last Line: In the night. The cat rubs against the man's legs Subject(s): Sex; Aging; Impotence SEXY OLD LADY, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I'm intending to grow up to be a sexy Last Line: I expect to be found, around eighty, %upstairs %with my sexy old husband nestled %beside me in bed Subject(s): Aging SHALL I REPINE, by JONATHAN SWIFT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: If neither brass nor marble can withstand Last Line: "is out at elbows, why should I repine?'" Variant Title(s): The Power Of Time Subject(s): Aging SHARING, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: I sit with a young woman Last Line: Yet so much still a part of us Subject(s): Aging SHE STILL LIVES ON RUE VALETTE, NEAR LE PANTHEON, by ANGELA KARSZO Poem Source First Line: Her neighbours call her 'la fiancee eternelle' Last Line: As no one knows that every night she falls %asleep to dream hope & forgiveness Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women SHE WALKS SLOWLY, by NORA REZA Poem Source First Line: A window serves as empty light Last Line: Gathering up the ravellings %of a jute doormat Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women SHELLS, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: Together in %the same house Last Line: Growing old %separately Subject(s): Aging SHIVAH, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: This week we don't ring Last Line: Into a house black %in its grief Subject(s): Aging SHORT FAREWELLS, by WILLIAM MATTHEWS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A toast is the right length, I think Alternate Author Name(s): Matthews, William Procter Subject(s): Toasts; Farewell; Grief; Aging; Parting; Sorrow; Sadness SIDNEY'S ASTROPHEL AND STELLA: CANTO QUINTO. CONTENT, by THOMAS CAMPION Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A day, a night, an hour of sweet content Last Line: But hast thou bliss in youth? O sweet estate! Subject(s): Aging; Grief; Time; Sorrow; Sadness SIERRAS HERMITAGE, by ALLEN GINSBERG Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography Subject(s): Books & Reading; Aging SIGN, by MARGE PIERCY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The first white hair coils in my hand Subject(s): Aging; Hair; Self-pity SILENT CRY, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: One of the horrors of old age Last Line: I don't remember your name Subject(s): Aging SINGING ALOUD, by CAROLYN KIZER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We all have our faults. Mine is trying to write poems Last Line: Or they'll lock us up like the apes, and control us forever. Subject(s): Aging; Chinese Literature; Po Chu-yi (772-846); Poetry & Poets; Women; Women's Rights; Feminism SISTER MARY APPASSIONATA MINDS THE BODY, by DAVID CITINO Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Socrates, past his prime, moving into the wrinkle room Last Line: With our very lives Subject(s): Aging SISTERS, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: We exhumed ghosts Last Line: I always loved them Subject(s): Aging SIXTY-EIGHTH BIRTHDAY, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As life runs on, the road grows strange Last Line: Neath every one a friend. Subject(s): Aging SLIGHTLY OLD, by BOB ROSENTHAL Poem Source First Line: All of our machines need repair Subject(s): Aging SMALL DEFEATS: BID ON BEHALF OF MY AUNT EVA, by GORDON WEAVER Poem Source First Line: The chaplain left, dissatisfied Last Line: Paw the dry bones of your jewelry Subject(s): Aging; Family Life; Memory SMALL DEFEATS: PALE BLUE BUNK POEM AFTER FIFTY YEARS, by GORDON WEAVER Poem Source First Line: Five decades yield me only half a rage Last Line: One final, perfunctory, uninspired breath Subject(s): Aging; Poetry And Poets SMALL DEFEATS: WALKING THROUGH SEASONS, by GORDON WEAVER Poem Source First Line: Lady, take a thoughtful, loving walk with me Last Line: Lady, I ask you, what else earns its certain end so well as a too-short %loving walk? Subject(s): Aging; Nature; Seasons; Walking; Women SNOW IN APRIL, by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: An april snow!- 'tis as the head of youth Last Line: "long shall I ""pause till it come back to me." Subject(s): Aging; April; Snow SO MANY NATURAL LAWS, by JORDAN MILLER Poem Source First Line: So many natural laws %between the sun and moon, Last Line: In garments they were lent. Subject(s): Aging; Youth SOLITUDE, by ELLA WHEELER WILCOX Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Laugh and the world laughs with you Last Line: Through the narrow aisles of pain. Alternate Author Name(s): Wilson, Robert, Mrs. Variant Title(s): The World As It Is;laughter;companionship;the Way Of The World;life's Magnet Subject(s): Advice; Aging; Pain; Solitude; Time; Suffering; Misery; Loneliness SOME ADVICE FROM A MOTHER TO HER MARRIED SON, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The answer to do you love me isn't, I Last Line: The answer is yes. %the answer is yes. %the answer is yes Subject(s): Aging SOME INFORMATION ABOUT TWENTY-THREE YEARS OF EXISTENCE, by JEFF CLARK Poem Source First Line: In the shrift, she says, 'it is always moving, even in slumber Last Line: Terror now in the hangar: the little door slides back Subject(s): Aging; Birth; Birthdays; Family Life; Ontology; Time SOMETHING TO GET HIM THROUGH, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: He talked about the skin on the inside of her arms, her neck, the Last Line: She did not do, she felt compelled to commit the crime. His hands %were shaking Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 SONG, by SAMUEL BECKETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Age is when to a man / huddled o'er the ingle Last Line: On the earth again. Subject(s): Aging; Montague, John (b. 1929) SONG, by GEORGE GORDON BYRON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: So we'll go no more a-roving Last Line: By the light of the moon. Alternate Author Name(s): Byron, Lord; Byron, 6th Baron Subject(s): Aging; Ennui; Maturity; Conduct Of Life SONG, by SUN TZU-HOU Poem Text First Line: On the eastern way at the city of lo-yang Last Line: "joy and love never come back again." Subject(s): Aging; China - Early Period (to 200 B.c.); China - Middle Ages (600 B.c.- 618 A.d.); Trees SONG (2), by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh roses for the flush of youth Last Line: Before in the old time. Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina Subject(s): Aging; Flowers; Youth SONG OF THE AUTUMN WIND, by LIU CH'E Poem Source First Line: Autumn wind rises Last Line: Youth and strength, how short they last, %how hopelessly we age! Subject(s): Aging SONG OF THE AUTUMN WIND, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Autumn winds rise, white clouds fly Last Line: How long does youth's prime last? - no hope against old age Subject(s): Aging; Autumn; China - Middle Ages (600 B.c.- 618 A.d.); Fasts And Feasts; Seasons; Transience SONG OF THE STRANGE YOUNG DUCKLING, by DEBORAH MUNRO Poem Source First Line: So I cut my hair; so I'm shorn Last Line: You'll be dead and gone. I tell you. You're singing Subject(s): Aging SONG-TIME, by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: From out the blossomed cherry-tops Last Line: With empty heart and silent tongue. Subject(s): Spring; Autumn; Aging; Fall SONGS OF THE DAYS AND NIGHTS: SONGS OF THE SPRING NIGHTS, by GEORGE MACDONALD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The flush of green that dyed the day Last Line: I pass into thy spring. Subject(s): Aging; Change; God; Nature; Night; Spring; Stars; Youth; Bedtime SONNET, by CHARLES STUART CALVERLEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When o'er the world night spreads her mantle dun Last Line: Then what would sweet morn be, if thou wert there! Subject(s): Aging SONNET, by PETRARCH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: As I approach the last of all my days Last Line: "and sigh for that which matters not at all." Alternate Author Name(s): Petrarca, Francesco Subject(s): Aging SONNET: 12, by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: When I do count the clock that tells the time Last Line: Save breed, to brave him when he takes thee hence. Variant Title(s): The Approach Of Age Subject(s): Aging; Holidays; New Year; Time SONNET: 2, by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: When forty winters shall besiege thy brow Last Line: And see thy blood warm when thou feel'st it cold. Subject(s): Aging; Love; Parents; Parenthood SONNET: 20. PICTURE OF A YOUNG LADY, by WILLIAM LISLE BOWLES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I was sitting, sad, and all alone Subject(s): Memory; Beauty; Youth, Aging SONNET: 3, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Not to thee, bedford! Mournful is the tale Last Line: With rarely-sprinkled leaves, casting a trembling shade. Subject(s): Aging; Blessings; Friendship; Sonnet (as Literary Form) SONNET: 42, by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why Last Line: A little while, that in me sings no more. Alternate Author Name(s): Boyd, Nancy; Boissevain, Eugen, Mrs. Variant Title(s): "what Lips My Lips Have Kissed, And Where, And Why""; Subject(s): Aging; Love; Love - Loss Of SONNET: 6. TO A BROOK NEAR THE VILLAGE OF CORSTON, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As thus I bend me o'er thy babbling stream Last Line: As thy soft sounds half heard, borne on the inconstant breeze. Subject(s): Aging; Brooks; Memory; Nature - Religious Aspects; Sonnet (as Literary Form); Time; Streams; Creeks SONNET: 60, by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore Last Line: Praising thy worth, despite his cruel hand. Variant Title(s): "revolutions;""like As The Waves Make Towards The Pebbled Shore""; Subject(s): Aging; Gays & Lesbians; Time; Homoeroticism; Lesbians; Gay Women; Gay Men SONNET: 73, by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: That time of year thou mayst in me behold Last Line: To love that well which thou must leave ere long. Variant Title(s): "that Time Of Year Thou Mayst In Me Behold"";where Late The Sweet Birds Sang;sonnet #73; Subject(s): Aging; Autumn; Conceit; Death; Labor & Laborers; Love - Marital; Old Age; Seasons; Fall; Dead, The; Work; Workers; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love SONNET: 97. FATAL INTERVIEW: 28, by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When we are old and these rejoicing veins Last Line: We rose from rapture but an hour ago. Alternate Author Name(s): Boyd, Nancy; Boissevain, Eugen, Mrs. Subject(s): Aging; Gays & Lesbians SONNET: AMOUR OBLIGE, by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I could forgive you, dearest, all the folly Subject(s): Love - Nature Of; Aging SONNET: SILVERY HAIRS, by WILLIAM MOTHERWELL Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ha! On my brow, what straggling silvery hairs Last Line: And killed each bud of hope that blossomed there? Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, Isaac Subject(s): Aging SONNET: WHO WOULD LIVE AGAIN?, by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh who would live again to suffer loss? Subject(s): Aging; Disappointment; Life SONNET:17. ON ACCIDENTALLY MEETING A LADY, NOW NO MORE, by WILLIAM LISLE BOWLES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When last we parted, thou wert young and fair Subject(s): Beauty; Transience; Aging; Impermanence SONNETS ON AGE: 5, by KATHRYN HOWARD WELLS Poem Text First Line: I cannot tell this eager youth Last Line: And know that soon one, too, must die. Subject(s): Aging; Death; Fear; Dead, The SPANISH FOLK SONGS: 15, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: You are one and you are two Last Line: Open for everybody Subject(s): Aging SPARKS, by JORDAN MILLER Poem Source First Line: We tinker with our bits of time Last Line: Our own beginning and our end. Subject(s): Aging; Death; Life SPEAKING, SHE SAID, by STELLA LUCIA MANN Poem Text First Line: As you grow older Last Line: Your face is a beautiful map of the world! Subject(s): Aging; Mothers SPEECH AFTER LONG SILENCE, by LLOYD VAN BRUNT Poem Source First Line: Feverish and mumbling %disheveled in a lawn chair Last Line: Like mist through a country dawn Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women SPEECH DELIVERED IN 1608 ON WIDEMARSH MOOR, NEAR HEREFORD, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Ye servants of our mighty king Last Line: A thousand years on ten men's backs, %and one supplies what other lacks Subject(s): Aging SPRING, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O my grey hairs Last Line: You are truly white as plum blossoms. Subject(s): Aging; Hair STALKER, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: In clothing dark Last Line: Closing in %for the grab Subject(s): Aging STANZAS FOR MUSIC (1), by GEORGE GORDON BYRON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There's not a joy the world can give like that it takes away Last Line: So, midst the wither'd waste of life, those tears would flow to me. Alternate Author Name(s): Byron, Lord; Byron, 6th Baron Variant Title(s): Youth And Age Subject(s): Aging STANZAS TO - -., by ROYALL TYLER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Touch not again - touch not again thy lyre! Last Line: Can listen to its strains no more. Alternate Author Name(s): Old Simon; S. Subject(s): Aging STANZAS TO THE MARQUISE, by PIERRE CORNEILLE Poem Text First Line: Marquise, if on my face you spy Last Line: Whose printed word may bless or blight you. Subject(s): Aging; Beauty; Time STARKEST TRAGEDY, by VAN CHANDLER Poem Text First Line: A boy seems idle while at childish play Last Line: If men are prone to lose the boyhood call. Subject(s): Aging; Children; Sonnet (as Literary Form); Childhood STELLA'S BIRTHDAY, 1718, by JONATHAN SWIFT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Stella this day is thirty-four Last Line: To split my worship too in twain. Variant Title(s): On Stella's Birthday Subject(s): Aging; Johnson, Esther (1681-1728); Love; Middle Age STILL, by NIKIA LEOPOLD Poem Source First Line: Now, when my father is frail Last Line: Let something resist Subject(s): Aging; Fathers STILL HUNTING, by DON WELCH Poem Source First Line: Once there were mallards ahead of a blizzard Subject(s): Aging; Sports STILL TO BE DONE, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: Tiredness hits him, failure snuggles in close Last Line: Everything is still to be done. Everything. Subject(s): Aging; Disappointment; Weariness STONE MILK, by ANNE STEVENSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A backward may, with all the local finches of the fex tal piping in dialect Subject(s): Graubunder, Switzerland; Resorts; Landscape; Aging STRANDS, by RUTH STONE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This uprooted grass from the edge of the marsh-lake Subject(s): Aging STRIPPER, by RACHEL LODEN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I am the woman %in the mirror %undressing Last Line: Dreamskin, a dilapidated girdle %pickled grey with washing Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women STRUGGLE FOR THE TAAL, by BREYTEN BREYTENBACH Poem Source First Line: We ourselves are aged Last Line: As for us, we are aged Subject(s): Aging; Language STUBBORN AS A YEAR AGO, by MINNIE BRUCE PRATT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have thistles in my house in a blue bottle Last Line: Thistledown in the air was your hair, my breath Subject(s): Gays & Lesbians; Thistles; Aging SUFFERING, by ALBERT EHRENSTEIN Poem Text First Line: How am I hitched Last Line: My head was of black earth. Subject(s): Aging SUMMER BREEZE., by EDWARD J. RIELLY Poem Source Last Line: A torn teddy bear Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women SUMMER COMPANY, by EUGENE ROGER COLE Poem Source First Line: I cannot tell you Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women SUMMONS, by LOUIS UNTERMEYER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The eager night and the impetuous winds Last Line: Seeking the lost cause and the brave defeat. Alternate Author Name(s): Lewis, Michael Subject(s): Aging; Messengers; Nature - Religious Aspects; Spring; Voices SUNSET YEARS OF SAMUEL SHY, by OGDEN NASH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Master I may be Last Line: For fain would I know, %where were these kisses three decades ago Subject(s): Aging SUNSHINE AND SHADOW, by ROBERT BROWN Poem Text First Line: The winds are laughing along the fields Last Line: So the river of time runs slow tonight. Subject(s): Aging SURPRISE PARTY, by JOSEPH EDWARD POWELL Poem Source First Line: On her birthday, she couldn't sit still Last Line: But for the bathroom light that burned %like a huge candle above her Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women SURVIVOR, by WILHELMINA YOUNG Poem Source First Line: We sit at the round oak table Last Line: Cries real tears, the other %just stares Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women SUSANS, by KATE NORTHROP Poem Source First Line: Some do not have the luck %to die young. Some become Last Line: Although I was not there. I felt finally %such sorrow for those living. Subject(s): Aging; Death; Mortality; Sex SUSIE, by ANN HAMILTON (1902-) Poem Text First Line: Down by the river-front, beside the docks Last Line: That susie posed for when she was in bloom. Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Anna E.; Hamilton, A. E.; Hamilton, Anne E. Subject(s): Aging; Prostitution; Harlots; Whores; Brothels SWIFTLY THE DAYS FLY PAST, by GIUSEPPE PARINI Poem Text Poet's Biography Last Line: Unto our parting day Subject(s): Friendship; Time; Transcience; Aging TAMPONS, by ELLEN BASS Poem Source First Line: My periods have changed. It is years Last Line: Bleed until we bathe her in our blood and she turns %slippery new like a baby birthing Subject(s): Aging; Menopause TANKA, by MEIJI Poem Source First Line: The young go off Last Line: Guard our fields at home Subject(s): Aging TEN YEARS SINCE I WAS A VISITOR AT THE WINE JAR, by OU YANGXIU Poem Source Poet's Biography Last Line: Like drunken voices from those years long past Alternate Author Name(s): Ou-yang Hsiu; Ou-yang Xiu Subject(s): Aging TENDERLOIN CAFETERIA POEM, by ALLAN DAVIS WINANS Poem Source First Line: I have sat one too many Last Line: The other on the %obituary column Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women TERMINUS (1), by RALPH WALDO EMERSON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is time to be old Last Line: "and every wave is charmed." Subject(s): Aging; Death; Dead, The THAT BRIGHT GREY EYE, by Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: The grey sky, lighter & darker Last Line: Is a munificence now, / is justified Alternate Author Name(s): Auerbach, Hilda; Wolpe, Stefan, Mrs. Subject(s): Aging; Activity THAT PATCHED-UP BALL, by PAUL WEINMAN Poem Source First Line: Just because he sent me to spade up the crummy Last Line: Just past noon Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women THE AGED LOVER RENOUNCETH LOVE, by THOMAS VAUX Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I loathe that I did love Last Line: So shall ye waste to dust. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrowden, 2d Baron Vaux Of Subject(s): Aging; Love; Old Age THE AGES OF MAN, by CHARLES HEAVYSEGE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Childhood alone is glad. With it time flees Last Line: We grow not merry though the dotard laughed. Subject(s): Aging; Children; Life; Mankind; Childhood; Human Race THE ARTIST'S MODEL, CA. 1912, by LISEL MUELLER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In 1886 I came apart Alternate Author Name(s): Muller, Lisel Subject(s): Models; Aging; Transience; Impermanence THE BALLADE OF LOVELACE, by GEORGE AUGUSTUS MOORE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My days of singing and loving are over Last Line: My love was stronger and fiercer than theirs. Subject(s): Aging; Love THE BARGAIN, by NORMAN ROWLAND GALE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I counted blisses, tortures, shames Last Line: It was not fair.' god bowed his head. Subject(s): Aging; Bargains; Religion; Theology THE BEACH IN AUGUST, by WELDON KEES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: The day the fat woman Last Line: Condition. The tide goes in and goes out Subject(s): Seashore; Transience; Aging; Body, Human; Beach; Coast; Shore; Impermanence THE BLOOM HATH FLED THY CHEEK, MARY, by WILLIAM MOTHERWELL Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Farewell! Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, Isaac Subject(s): Love – Loss Of; Transcience; Aging; Farewell THE CATCHER, by WILLIAM A. PHELON Poem Text First Line: Like a rhinoceros, in style and grace Last Line: And he holds on—the mainstay of the team! Variant Title(s): The Old Catcher Subject(s): Aging; Athletes; Baseball; Sports THE CENSUS AND THE FAIR DISSENTER, by ROWLAND EYLES EGERTON-WARBURTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Rude querist! My feelings your question enrages Last Line: "till I know what is his who will make me a bride." Alternate Author Name(s): Egerton-warburton, R. E. Subject(s): Aging; Census; Rudeness; Women; Bad Manners THE CHARNEL GROUND, by ALLEN GINSBERG Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Http://media.Sas.Upenn.Edu/pennsound/authors/ginsberg/chicago-1959/ginsberg-allen_01_howl_big-table- Subject(s): Aging; New York City; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple THE CHATHAM GHAZAL, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is the lamp on the kitchen table Last Line: I also bury all of the skins of thirty-seven years. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging THE COMING OF WISDOM WITH TIME, by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Though leaves are many, the root is one Last Line: Now I may wither into the truth. Alternate Author Name(s): Yeats, W. B. Subject(s): Aging; Wisdom THE CRUMBS, by NORMAN ROWLAND GALE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Often I watch, when violets are in season Last Line: From quick, or from the honeysuckle's horn. Subject(s): Aging; Lust; Winter THE CUP, by WILLIAM SHARP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The cup of bitter-sweet I know Last Line: The grey tumultuous waters flow! Alternate Author Name(s): Macleod, Fiona Subject(s): Aging; Cups; Love; Regret; Wisdom THE CUP OF YOUTH, by SILAS WEIR MITCHELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: See, gaspar, how I hold the hours of love Last Line: [exit gelosa. Subject(s): Aging; Death; Love Affairs; Youth; Dead, The THE DEATH OF FRANCO OF COLOGNE: HIS PROPHECY OF BEETHOVEN, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is useless, good woman, useless: the spark fails me Last Line: Over the bronze gates of paradise! Subject(s): Death; Children; Aging THE DEBT, by KATHARINE LEE BATES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Because the years are few, I must be glad Last Line: Poor that I am, a coin of golden joy. Subject(s): Aging; Holidays; Thanksgiving; Wellesley College THE DEEF OLE MAN, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I onct was peert an' activ' Last Line: Be stone deef in my year. Subject(s): Aging; Deafness; Old Age THE DEFEATED YEARS, by MARJORIE MEEKER Poem Text First Line: The old men will crowd Last Line: "alack, is bent and gray. . . ."")" Subject(s): Aging THE DESCENT, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: The descent beckons / as the ascent beckoned Subject(s): Aging THE DIFFERENCE, by ANGELO PHILIP BERTOCCI Poem Text First Line: You spoke one word Last Line: I had grown old! Subject(s): Aging; Dreams; Youth; Nightmares THE DIRGE, by GEORGE EDWARD WOODBERRY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I have been where the white lilies blow Last Line: Tis in wild eden. Subject(s): Aging; Singing & Singers; Youth THE DIRTY OLD MAN, by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In a dirty old house lived a dirty old man Last Line: To that dirty old house and that dirty old man. Alternate Author Name(s): Pollex, D.; Walker, Patricius Subject(s): Aging; Disappointment; Grief; Love; Sorrow; Sadness THE EDGES OF TIME, by KAY RYAN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: It is at the edges Subject(s): Aging THE ELDER'S REBUKE, by EMILY JANE BRONTE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Listen! When your hair, like mine Last Line: If I have wronged rosina's love -- Alternate Author Name(s): Bell, Ellis Variant Title(s): From A Dungeon Wall In ... Southern Cottage;from A Dungeon Wall In The Southern College Subject(s): Aging THE ELDERS, by DAVID WAGONER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When by the fire at sundown the elders Subject(s): Aging THE END OF AN ETHNIC DREAM, by JAY WRIGHT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Cigarettes in my mouth Last Line: My brain blistered. Subject(s): Aging; Dreams; Conduct Of Life; Nightmares THE END OF AODH-OF-THE-SONGS, by WILLIAM SHARP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The swift years slip and slide adown the steep Last Line: Pain that alone survives, gaunt hound of the shadowy years. Alternate Author Name(s): Macleod, Fiona Subject(s): Aging; Grief; Time; Sorrow; Sadness THE FACE, by RANDALL JARRELL Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Not good any more, not beautiful Last Line: It is terrible to be alive Subject(s): Aging; Memory; Self THE FADELESS CANVAS, by CHARLOTTE LOUISE BERTLESEN Poem Text First Line: For haunting moments these have stood Last Line: This canvas, pure, shall ageless be. Subject(s): Aging; Life; Memory THE FIRST GREY HAIR, by MARY TUCKER LAMBERT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: No, let it stay. It speaks but truth Last Line: And love your chiming, memory bells. Alternate Author Name(s): Tucker, Mary Eliza Perine Subject(s): Aging; Memory THE FIRST OF MAY, by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The orchards half the way Last Line: And ludlow fair again. Alternate Author Name(s): Housman, A. E. Subject(s): Aging; May (month) THE FLIGHT OF YOUTH, by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: No, though all the winds that lie Last Line: Can have no other end but death. Alternate Author Name(s): Houghton, 1st Baron; Houghton, Lord Subject(s): Aging; Time; Youth THE FLIRT, by AMELIA JOSEPHINE BURR Poem Text First Line: Beautiful boy, lend me your youth to play with Last Line: Than what I am! Subject(s): Aging; Boys; Desire; Flirtation; Youth THE FOGGY, FOGGY BLUE, by DELMORE SCHWARTZ Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I was a young man, I loved to write poems Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; Aging; Truth; Masks THE FOLLY OF BEING COMFORTED, by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: One that is ever kind said yesterday Last Line: You'd know the folly of being comforted. Alternate Author Name(s): Yeats, W. B. Subject(s): Aging; Love THE FORERUNNERS, by GEORGE HERBERT Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The harbingers are come. See, see their mark Last Line: So all within be livelier than before. Subject(s): Aging THE FOUR CHILDREN; A BALLAD OF GOOD INTENTIONS, by DORA SIGERSON SHORTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Four children played by an old oak tree Last Line: Where hangs the corpse of little benjie. Alternate Author Name(s): Sigerson, Dora; Shorter, Mrs. Clement Subject(s): Aging; Children; Suicide; Childhood THE GIFT OF YEARS, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The mellow years have brought to me Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): Aging THE GREAT AND SILENT THINGS, by CHARLES HANSON TOWNE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: How silently the years, in long procession Last Line: Softly to god, silent to our creator! Subject(s): Aging THE GREY EROS, by GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We are desert leagues apart Last Line: Do not lay thy rapture down. Alternate Author Name(s): A. E. Subject(s): Aging; Time; Youth THE IMPROVISATORE: THE INDUCTION TO THE THIRD FYTTE, by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The tale was said. Fair agnes rose Last Line: Upon the marvels of his tongue. Subject(s): Aging; Bribery; Minstrels; Music & Musicians; Singing & Singers; Women; Songs THE INCURABLE, by MATTHEW PRIOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Phillis, you boast of perfect health in vain Last Line: I tell thee, 'tis incurable -- 'tis age. Subject(s): Aging; Disease; Laughter THE JAZZ GIRL, by MYRTLE HICKEY MCCORMACK HOWARD Poem Text First Line: Like a butterfly that flits from flower to flower Last Line: In her jazz -- she forgot all maidenly duty. Subject(s): Aging; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Women THE KEY-NOTE, by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where are the songs I used to know Last Line: Of winter's pause -- and why not I? Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina Subject(s): Aging THE KISS, by NORMAN ROWLAND GALE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I have captured a girl in the middle of tears Last Line: Doctor, midwife, and undertaker. Subject(s): Aging; Man-woman Relationships; Male-female Relations THE LAST ACT, by PHOEBE CARY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A wretched farce is our life at best Last Line: And know as we are known! Subject(s): Aging THE LAST COMPLAINT, by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Woe is me! An old man said Last Line: My last look of the clear moon. Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina Subject(s): Aging; Death; Life; Sleep; Dead, The THE LAST DEMAND, by FAITH BALDWIN Poem Text First Line: Life, you have bruised me and chilled me; fate, you Last Line: I demand to conquer memory! I demand that I — forget. Subject(s): Aging; Experience; Life; Memory; Wisdom THE LAST OF THE FAMILY, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What, gregory! You are come, I see, to join us Last Line: God make us ready, gregory, when it comes. Subject(s): Aging; Faith; Family Life; Funerals; God; Belief; Creed; Relatives; Burials THE LIGHT THAT NEVER DIES, by SIEG HALBERG Poem Text First Line: From boyhood to manhood we grow Last Line: It is the light which never dies. Subject(s): Aging; Life; Maturity THE LIVING BEAUTY, by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I bade, because the wick and oil are spent Last Line: We cannot pay its tribute of wild tears. Alternate Author Name(s): Yeats, W. B. Subject(s): Aging; Beauty THE LOVE POEMS OF MARICHIKO: 54, by KENNETH REXROTH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I hate this shadow of a ghost Last Line: And wonder,, have I grown so thin? Subject(s): Aging THE LOVE POEMS OF MARICHIKO: 59, by KENNETH REXROTH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I hate this shadow of a ghost Subject(s): Aging THE LOVE SONG OF J. ALFRED PRUFROCK, by THOMAS STEARNS ELIOT Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Let us go then, you and I Last Line: Till human voices wake us, and we drown. Alternate Author Name(s): Eliot, T. S. Subject(s): Aging; Alienation (social Psychology); Apathy; Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564); Modern Man; Paralysis; Estrangement; Outcasts THE MAN IN THE MIRROR, by MARK STRAND Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I walk down the narrow Subject(s): Mirrors; Self; Aging THE MERRY MATRON, by FAIRFAX DOWNEY Poem Text First Line: James james / morrison morrison Last Line: And since it's the rage not to be your age, well, what can any son do? Subject(s): Aging; Mothers; Youth THE MONODY OF ISLA THE SINGER, by WILLIAM SHARP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Is it time to let the hour rise and go forth as Last Line: And hear her voice like mournful bells crying on the wind. Alternate Author Name(s): Macleod, Fiona Subject(s): Aging; Dreams; Mourning; Time; Youth; Nightmares; Bereavement THE MOUNTAIN, by ELIZABETH BISHOP Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At evening, something behind me Subject(s): Aging THE NEW WORLD, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The sun is folding, cars stall and rise Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): Aging THE NEW YEAR'S NIGHT OF AN UNHAPPY MAN, by JEAN PAUL RICHTER Poem Text First Line: Once on a time, it was the new year's night Last Line: The golden years can never more return. Subject(s): Aging; Holidays; New Year; Old Age; Sin; Youth THE NIGHT-WALK, by GEORGE MEREDITH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Awakes for me and leaps from shroud Last Line: Whereon was love the phantom sail. Subject(s): Aging; Night; Bedtime THE ODE OF AGE, by LEWIS MORRIS (1833-1907) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There is a sweetness in autumnal days Last Line: At the celestial door. Subject(s): Aging THE OLD CARRIER, by JOHN LAWSON STODDARD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Patient toiler on the road Last Line: To and from menaggio. Subject(s): Aging; Bells; Christmas; Death; Labor & Laborers; Nativity, The; Dead, The; Work; Workers THE OLD COW MAN, by CHARLES BADGER CLARK JR. Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I rode across a valley range Last Line: No later than I was! Alternate Author Name(s): Clark, Badger Subject(s): Aging; Cowboys; Fences; Ranch Life; West (u.s.); Southwest; Pacific States THE OLD FAMILIAR FACES, by CHARLES LAMB Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I have had playmates, I have had companions Last Line: All, all are gone, the old familiar faces. Alternate Author Name(s): Elia Subject(s): Absence; Aging; Grief; Mourning; Nostalgia; Separation; Isolation; Sorrow; Sadness; Bereavement THE OLD FOOLS, by PHILIP LARKIN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What do they think has happened, the old fools Subject(s): Aging THE OLD GUITAR, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Neglected now is the old guitar Last Line: Like that of the old guitar! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Aging; Guitars; Memory; Music & Musicians THE OLD LIBERATORS, by ROBERT HEDIN Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: Of all the people in the mornings at the mall; Last Line: & 2. Subject(s): Aging; Death; Veterans; Dead, The THE OLD NEST, by NORMAN ROWLAND GALE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Though I seem to you now but a rag forlorn Last Line: For a king and a queen at the heart of delight. Subject(s): Aging THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE, by ALEXANDER ANDERSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ah! Often when coming from labour Last Line: And the village far away. Alternate Author Name(s): Surfaceman Subject(s): Aging; Memory THE OLD YEAR TO THE NEW, by CLINTON SCOLLARD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The snows of death are drifting deep Last Line: Save the long legacy of sleep! Subject(s): Aging; Holidays; New Year THE ONE GRAY HAIR, by WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The wisest of the wise Last Line: Fair as she was, she never was so fair. Variant Title(s): The One Of White Hair;the One White Hair Subject(s): Aging; Women THE PASSING OF YOUTH, by FREDERICK WILLIAM HENRY MYERS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: At pisa, where the cypress-spires alway Last Line: "beyond the flaming rampire of the world." Alternate Author Name(s): Myers, Frederic Subject(s): Aging; Courage; Death; Melancholy; Pisa, Italy; Youth; Valor; Bravery; Dead, The; Dejection THE PEAR, by JANE HIRSHFIELD Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: November. One pear Last Line: Dawnlight to dawnlight, I look: it is still there Subject(s): Aging THE PENALTIES OF RANK, by PO CHU-YI Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Three score and ten! A slave to office yet! Last Line: Tis he, the happy man, who dwells apart. Alternate Author Name(s): Bai Juyi; Bo Juyi; Po Chu-i; Lo T'ien; Jyu-yi Subject(s): Aging THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S ANNUAL, by NORMAN DUBIE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: We are returning to new england for two weeks! My sister Last Line: Throughout the afternoon. Subject(s): Aging; Love - Erotic; Jews; Marriage; Mayas; Mexico; Morality; Photography & Photographers; Poetry & Poets; Vermont; World War Ii; Judaism; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Ethics; Second World War THE PLAYMATES, by PHOEBE CARY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Two careless, happy children Last Line: And one, alas! Is me! Subject(s): Aging THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 101, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I recall the days of my youth Last Line: Who'll show an old man pity Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Aging; Chinese Literature; Memory; Youth THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 115, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Bridegroom liu is eighty-two Last Line: Then killed by the girls from the blue Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Aging; Chinese Literature; Marriage; Youth; Weddings; Husbands; Wives THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 122, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Where clouds and mountains are piled to the sky Last Line: Are mindless like the rivers flowing east Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Aging; Chinese Literature; Nature; Solitude; Loneliness THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 14, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A master of the brush and the sword Last Line: What's left isn't worth saying Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Aging; Calligraphy; Chinese Literature; Swords THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 150, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Sitting alone I keep slipping away Last Line: Yearend finds me old with regrets Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Aging; Chinese Literature; Nature; Solitude; Loneliness THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 158, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A tree grew here before the grove Last Line: What remains is real Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Aging; Chinese Literature; Trees THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 160, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Some people fear a white head Last Line: But it's not meant for him Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Aging; Chinese Literature; Fear THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 168, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: One day I left the mountains Last Line: Men don't ever get free Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Aging; Beauty; Chinese Literature; Men; Women THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 20, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Inside jade hall is a curtain of pearls Last Line: She'll look like chewed sugarcane Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Aging; Beauty; Chinese Literature THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 215, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I have heard on mount tientai Last Line: All I saw were wisps of white Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Aging; Chinese Literature THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 228, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: His mind is like a great peak Last Line: To sit and not speak and have no cares Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Aging; Chinese Literature; Silence; Wisdom THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 233, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Our lives are circumscribed by dust Last Line: Suddenly we're old men Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Aging; Chinese Literature; Life; Mortality THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 291, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Here where I once stayed Last Line: Why not read some old lines Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Aging; Chinese Literature; Decay; Past; Rot; Decadence THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 36, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: What makes a young man grieve Last Line: These words pain an old man Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Aging; Chinese Literature; Duty; Grief; Youth; Sorrow; Sadness THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 51, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A black-maned roan and coral whip Last Line: There's your isle of penglai Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Aging; Chinese Literature; Youth THE POET'S DEATH-BED, by RICHARD SOLOMON GEDNEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Spirit of splendour! / linked to corruption! Last Line: Fare thee well! Fare thee well! Subject(s): Aging; Farewell; Poetry & Poets; Soul; Weariness; Parting; Fatigue THE POPLAR FIELD, by WILLIAM COWPER Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The poplars are felled, farewell to the shade Last Line: Have a being less durable even than he. Subject(s): Aging; Environment; Fields; Poplar Trees; Trees; Environmental Protection; Ecology; Conservation; Pastures; Meadows; Leas THE PRAYER OF WOMEN, by WILLIAM SHARP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O spirit, that broods upon the hills Last Line: Cry, cry to thee, o compassionate! Alternate Author Name(s): Macleod, Fiona Subject(s): Aging; Children; Man-woman Relationships; Prayer; Salvation; Women; Childhood; Male-female Relations THE PRIME OF LIFE, by WALTER LEARNED Poem Text First Line: Just as I thought I was growing old Last Line: Just as I thought I was growing old. Subject(s): Aging; Gray (color); Life; Old Age; Women; Grey (color) THE PROGRESS OF POETRY; A VARIATION, by MATTHEW ARNOLD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Youth rambles on life's arid mount Last Line: And down he lays his weary bones. Subject(s): Aging THE QUICK YEARS, by DOROTHY SPROULE Poem Text First Line: The quick years pass like birds in hurried flight Last Line: Are now about your feet. Subject(s): Aging THE RETURN, by JOHN BURROUGHS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He sought the old scenes with eager feet Last Line: He cannot go back to his youth. Subject(s): Aging; Homecoming; Religion; Theology THE RICHEST STONES, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poem Text Poet Analysis First Line: My wandering days have run their course Last Line: And all its walls had diamond-eyes! Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Aging THE RUNE OF AGE, by WILLIAM SHARP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O thou that on the hills and wastes of night art shepherd Last Line: Give me now thy darkness and thy silence! Alternate Author Name(s): Macleod, Fiona Subject(s): Aging; Comfort; Future Life; Gifts & Giving; Retribution; Eternity; After Life THE RUNE OF THE PASSION OF WOMAN, by WILLIAM SHARP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We who love are those who suffer Last Line: Hopes unfulfilled, and unavailing tears. Alternate Author Name(s): Macleod, Fiona Subject(s): Aging; Life; Loss; Love; Mothers; Pain; Passion; Women; Suffering; Misery THE SAGE ENAMOURED AND THE HONEST LADY, by GEORGE MEREDITH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One fairest of the ripe unwedded left Last Line: Yet lowly over morning's pure grey eyes. Subject(s): Aging; Love - Age Differences; Tyranny & Tyrants THE SEASONS, by RICHARD SOLOMON GEDNEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Spring's first flowerets, fair and white Last Line: He lingers through life's dull decay! Subject(s): Aging; Seasons; Time THE SECOND RAPTURE, by THOMAS CAREW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: No, worldling, no, 'tis not thy gold Last Line: There is no other happiness. Subject(s): Aging; Lust THE SEVEN OLD MEN; TO VICTOR HUGO, by CHARLES BAUDELAIRE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Teeming city, full of dreams, where in broad / daylight the specter grips Last Line: Without masts, on a monstrous, shoreless sea! Subject(s): Aging; Dreams; Nightmares THE SHEPHEARDES CALENDER: DECEMBER, by EDMUND SPENSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The gentle shepheard satte beside a springe Last Line: Tell rosalind her colin bids her adieu.' Alternate Author Name(s): Clout, Colin Subject(s): Aging; December; Seasons; Winter THE SILVER LOCKS; TO JOHN FOULKES, ESQ., by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Though youth may boast the curls that flow Last Line: His mildest ray! Alternate Author Name(s): Browne, Felicia Dorothea Subject(s): Aging; Hair THE SONG OF LIFE, by DANIEL MCMILLAN Poem Text First Line: The world is young, the world is fair Last Line: "shall reap a rich reward." Alternate Author Name(s): Dalintober Subject(s): Aging THE SOUND OF ONE FORK, by MINNIE BRUCE PRATT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Through the window screen I can see an angle of grey roof Subject(s): Aging; Loneliness; Women; Neigbors; Longing THE SPRINGS OF LIFE ARE FAILING ONE BY ONE, by BERNARD BARTON Poem Full Text Poet's Biography Alternate Author Name(s): Quaker Poet Subject(s): Aging THE STARS ARE OLD, THAT STOOD FOR ME, by EMILY DICKINSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Twas victory was slain Subject(s): Aging THE STATE OF AGE, by GEORGE MEREDITH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Rub thou thy battered lamp: nor claim nor beg Last Line: Drops prone and void as any thoughtless dash. Subject(s): Aging; Lamps THE SWEETWATER CAVERNS, by KIMIKO HAHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Curious to see caverns Subject(s): Lakes; Caves; Youth; Aging; Disappointment; Pools; Ponds; Caverns THE THREE-LEGGED DOG AT THE HEART OF OUR HOME, by LINDA GREGERSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She dances to the wheeze of my lungs. Were she taller, Subject(s): Aging THE TIME IS GONE, by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The time is gone when we could throw Last Line: In such a happy place to shed such bitter tears. Alternate Author Name(s): Blunden, Edmund Subject(s): Aging THE TRIUMPH OF TIME, by ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Before our lives divide for ever Last Line: If I cry to you then, will you hear or know? Subject(s): Aging; Death; Life; Nature; Time; Dead, The THE UNDERSONG, by WILLIAM SHARP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I hear the sea-song of the blood in my heart Last Line: And of tears? Alternate Author Name(s): Macleod, Fiona Subject(s): Aging; Hearts; Nature; Pain; Sea; Suffering; Misery; Ocean THE UP-HILL STREET, by ABBIE FARWELL BROWN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There's a lane through grassy meadows Last Line: And merges in the sky. Subject(s): Aging; Memory; Roads; Paths; Trails THE VANITY OF EXTERNAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS, by MARY WHATELEY Poem Text First Line: Ye smarts and belles, whose airs and arts confess Last Line: And my life vanish in a tuneful sigh. Alternate Author Name(s): Darwall, Mrs. John Subject(s): Aging; Facades; Vanity; Women; Appearances THE VOICE, by CLINTON SCOLLARD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I hear it in the twilight; I catch it in the dawn Last Line: "out of the days departed still call to me ""come back!" Subject(s): Aging; Voices; Youth THE WANDERINGS OF OISIN, by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You who are bent, and bald, and blind Last Line: And dwell in the house of the fenians, be they in flames or at feast. Alternate Author Name(s): Yeats, W. B. Subject(s): Aging THE WHOLE CREATION GROANETH, by SILAS WEIR MITCHELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Art glad with the gladness of youth in thy veins Last Line: The colors that read us its meaning aright. Subject(s): Aging; Pain; Youth; Suffering; Misery THE WILD SWANS AT COOLE, by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: The trees are in their autumn beauty Last Line: To find they have flown away? Alternate Author Name(s): Yeats, W. B. Subject(s): Aging; Birds; Coole, Ireland; Imagination; Swans; Vision; Fancy THE WILLOW, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When life is young, without a care Last Line: Commingled with a tear. Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): Aging; Consolation THE WINTER PALACE, by PHILIP LARKIN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Most people know more as they get older Subject(s): Aging THE YOUNG PRINCES, by EDWIN MUIR Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There was a time: we were young princelings then Subject(s): Youth; Aging THE YOUTH OF AGE, by JOHN LAWSON STODDARD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There comes a moment when, with pained surprise Last Line: The stars are heralding another dawn! Subject(s): Aging; Health; Life; Youth THE YOUTH WITH RED-GOLD HAIR, by EDITH SITWELL Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The gold-armoured ghost from the roman road Last Line: Forlorn.' Subject(s): Aging; Sun; Youth THEADOSIA, by GRACE BAUER Poem Source First Line: She was my mother's mother's mother Last Line: The only time I ever saw that woman %lying down Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women THERE'S A BUTTON ON THE REMOTE CONTROL CALLED FAV, by CLAUDIA RANKINE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Television; Aging; Transience; Tv; Impermanence THERE'S JUSTICE, by PHYLLIS HOGE THOMPSON Poem Source First Line: I'm old enough now. I'm out of danger Last Line: I have found my own cold place to sleep %outside and alone Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women THEY SIT TOGETHER ON THE PORCH, by WENDELL BERRY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Aging; Togetherness THEY'RE BACK, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: When our last child left home we were Last Line: Each night we gaze up at the sky and %we wish on a star: please %let them go somewhere else & live % Subject(s): Aging THIEF, by JEAN FOLLAIN Poem Source First Line: The cows' hearts beat in the meadow Last Line: If he passes it's no use calling: %wait Subject(s): Aging THIRTEENTH SUMMER, by BRENDA SHAUGHNESSY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Who is twelve? Not you, in absolute skirt Subject(s): Aging; Children; Summer; Childhood THIRTEENTH SUMMER, by BRENDA SHAUGHNESSY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Who is twelve? Not you, in absolute skirt Last Line: Heat, from your round body as you cross into sleep Subject(s): Aging; Children; Summer THIRTY-EIGHTH YEAR, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: I had expected more than this. %I had not expected to be %anordinary woman Subject(s): Absence; African Americans - Women; Aging; Mothers And Daughters THIRTY-THIRD SPRING, by RODNEY TYNAN JACK Poem Source First Line: Past a huge toppled pine Last Line: Withstanding my own blight, I will %behold this sight again Subject(s): Aging; Springs (water) THIRTY-THIRD YEAR, by LUISA IGLORIA Poem Source First Line: The journey is your favorite Last Line: Saying, what you seek is not here, %press on Subject(s): Aging THIS KIND OF FIRE, by CHARLES BUKOWSKI Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sometimes I think the gods Subject(s): Aging THIS YEAR/NEXT YEAR, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: As always at this time of year Last Line: When I know she'll never get there Subject(s): Aging THOSE OLD GENTLEMEN, by HAYDEN CARRUTH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I've been reading the ancient chinese masters Last Line: On the hill behind me as the wilight darkens Subject(s): Aging; Men THREE CROWS COMES A WEDDING DAY., by ANNE MCKAY Poem Source Last Line: Nana used to say Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women THREE: 3) SYMBOL, by ALEXANDRA THURMAN Poem Source First Line: No war at the window this time. Only here Last Line: The day grows yellow in our hands Subject(s): Aging THREESCORE AND TEN, by NORMAN ROWLAND GALE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Silent he sits from day to day Last Line: And fumbling at the door! Subject(s): Aging; Memory TILL TO-MORROW, by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Long have I longed, till I am tired Last Line: Beyond all clouds loves me my heavenly lover. Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina Subject(s): Aging TIME, by LILLIE EDSON HOLLAND Poem Text First Line: In the black sky tonight, down by the dune Last Line: To go my way as leaf and grass, and shed no tear. Subject(s): Aging; Mothers; Time TIME AND SENTIMENT, by GEORGE MEREDITH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I see a fair young couple in a wood Last Line: Even such, and by this token, is their youth. Subject(s): Aging; Time; Youth TIME ETCHES ON, by MARY R. HAAS Poem Text First Line: Like spiders slowly weaving Last Line: Lines upon each human face. Subject(s): Aging TIME FOR MUTED LIGHTS, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: When the plastic kitchen chairs Last Line: In the collapsing house of your life Subject(s): Aging TIME'S CHANGES, by WINTHROP MACKWORTH PRAED Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I saw her once - so freshly fair Last Line: Whose wrecks in darkness swam before me! Subject(s): Aging; Change TIME'S PENDULUM, by GRACE O. BOLSTAD Poem Text First Line: May we age slowly Last Line: Mellow and more beautiful. Subject(s): Aging TIME'S REVENGE, by AGATHIAS SCHOLASTICUS Poem Text First Line: She, who but late in beauty's flower was seen Last Line: And earlier wrinkles brand the haughty fair. Alternate Author Name(s): Agathias Scholasticos Subject(s): Aging; Disappointment; Love TIMING, by PHIL WEIDMAN Poem Source First Line: Used to think when I Last Line: Are patient & don't %waste as many strokes Subject(s): Aging; Sex; Time TO A CHILD OF FIVE YEARS OLD, by NATHANIEL COTTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Fairest flower, all flowers excelling Last Line: Evergreens! Which ne'er decay. Subject(s): Aging; Beauty; Flowers; Nature TO A GENTLEWOMAN OBJECTING TO HIM HIS GRAY HAIRES, by ROBERT HERRICK Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Am I despis'd, because you say Last Line: By those true teares y'are weeping. Variant Title(s): To His Mistress Objecting To His Age Subject(s): Aging TO A LADY ON HER ART OF GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY, by JOHN JAMES PIATT Poem Source First Line: You ask a verse, to sing (ah, laughing face!) Last Line: O muse, begin, and let the truth - but hold! %first let me see that you are growing old Subject(s): Admiration; Aging TO A MIDDLE-AGED FRIEND CONSIDERING ADULTERY ..., by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: It's hard to be davil-may-care Last Line: To teach him what turns you on and %what fails, %you might want to reconsider the %virtues of %virtu Subject(s): Aging TO A PHOTOGRAPHER, by BERTON BRALEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I have known joy and woe and toil and fight Last Line: They are my scars of battle — put them back! Subject(s): Aging; Disdain; Photography & Photographers; Time; Scorn TO A YOUNG GIRL, by GEORGE HERBERT CLARKE Poem Text First Line: Do not forget, / when you are old Last Line: "once and for aye enshrined you as her lover." Subject(s): Aging; Death; Honor; Love Affairs; Youth; Dead, The TO AGE, by WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Welcome, old friend! These many years Last Line: Dreads not the frost of age. Subject(s): Aging; Holidays; New Year TO AN OLD GENTLEWOMAN, THAT PAINTED HER FACE, by GEORGE TURBERVILLE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Leave off, good beroe, now %to sleek thy shrivelled skin Last Line: To other trulls of tender years %resign the flag of fame Alternate Author Name(s): Turbervile, George Subject(s): Aging; Cosmetics; Women TO AN OLD WASSAIL-CUP, by JOHN BANISTER TABB Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Where youth and laughter lingered long Last Line: Life's emptiness! Alternate Author Name(s): Father Tabb Subject(s): Aging TO BIRTHLAND, by JOHN TAYLOR (1837-) Poem Text First Line: In sunny boyhood's golden time - but yesterday it seems Last Line: From the far sun of glory on thy hills and heather red. Subject(s): Aging TO CLARE, CANDLE-WISHES, by EDWARD V. KILLEEN JR. Poem Text First Line: A birthday cake with tapers bright Last Line: My candle-wish to you. Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays; Cakes; Candles TO DAD, by MARY CRANE CLARK Poem Text First Line: He never feared november days Last Line: Of youth revitalized by age. Subject(s): Aging; Fathers; Soul; Youth TO DUDLEY FITTS; SOME MORTAL LINES WHILE LYING IN BED WITH SACROLILIAC, by JOHN CIARDI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Patience, dudley. We are two dried paltries Last Line: Old paltry bones, these two sticks clacked together Subject(s): Aging; Fitts, Dudley (1903-1968) TO EARTHWARD, by ROBERT FROST Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Love at the lips was touch / as sweet as I could bear Last Line: To all my length. Subject(s): Aging; Love; Men TO HELEN, MIDDLE-AGED, by ROSELLE MERCIER MONTGOMERY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The strife on illium's windy plain is still! Last Line: Time leaves to helen who outlive their troys! Subject(s): Aging; Helen Of Troy; Mythology - Classical TO M.A., by JOHN COWPER POWYS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ah! Had I landor's power and pen Last Line: But kiss you on the lips. Subject(s): Aging; Death; Flowers; Graves; Memory; Dead, The; Tombs; Tombstones TO MADAME LULLIN, by VOLTAIRE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: And doth my aged muse forlorn Last Line: Where doth he go? ... God knoweth whither. Alternate Author Name(s): Arouet, Francoise Marie Subject(s): Aging TO MISS --, THEN TWO YEARS OLD, by JANE BOWDLER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Sweet blossom, opening to the beams of day! Last Line: To endless peace, and purest bliss above. Subject(s): Aging; Babies; Gentility; Innocence; Youth; Infants TO MY CALENDAR, by NORMAN ROWLAND GALE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: How often have I reached my hand Last Line: Who daily tears a day from me! Subject(s): Aging; Time TO MY DEAD FATHER, by FRANK O'HARA (1926-1966) Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Don't call to me father Last Line: Forgive the roses and me Subject(s): Aging; Mirrors TO MY HUSBAND'S FIRST GRAY HAIR, by ANNA PEYRE DINNIES Poem Text First Line: Thou strange, unbidden guest! From whence Last Line: Such is thine errand, first gray hair. Alternate Author Name(s): Shackleford, Anna Peyre Subject(s): Aging; Marriage; Weddings; Husbands; Wives TO MY OLD WATCH, by JOHN LAURENCE RENTOUL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O wondrous work of mind's invention Last Line: So near to thee! Alternate Author Name(s): Gage, Gervais Subject(s): Aging; Clocks; Time; Weariness; Youth; Fatigue TO ONE SAYING SHE [OR, HIS MISTRESS] WAS OLD, by JAMES SHIRLEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tell me not time hath played the thief Last Line: Thieves do not always thrive, I see! Subject(s): Aging; Beauty; Love TO ONE WHO BIDS ME SING, by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You ask a 'many-winter'd' bard Last Line: His fancies sweet -- and bitter! Alternate Author Name(s): Dobson, Austin Subject(s): Aging TO PERILLA, by ROBERT HERRICK Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ah my perilla! Do'st thou grieve to see Last Line: Still in the coole, and silent shades of sleep. Subject(s): Aging; Death; Dead, The TO ROBIN FEDDEN, by AUSTIN PHILIPS Poem Text First Line: A huge, but unpaved, place. An ancient halles Last Line: Katharine fedden called me true and worth-while friend. Subject(s): Aging; Friendship; Youth TO THAT WALL, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: This morning I put bread Last Line: Like clouds rising %above the mountains Subject(s): Aging TO THE EARLE OF WESTMORELAND, by ROBERT HERRICK Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When my date's done, and my gray age must die Last Line: Shor'd up by you, (brave earle of westmoreland.) Subject(s): Aging TO THE LORD LOVE (AT THE APPROACH OF OLD AGE), by KATHERINE HARRIS BRADLEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I am thy fugitive, thy votary Last Line: Keep me perpetual in grace and fire! Alternate Author Name(s): Field, Michael (with Edith Emma Cooper) Subject(s): Aging; Love TO WILLIAM BELL SCOTT, by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My old admiration before I was twenty Last Line: The fun of a heavy old heart. Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina Subject(s): Aging; Hearts TO WISH MYSELF COURAGE, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On the day when youth is no more upon me Last Line: Long at the birth -- and sing me the youth-song! Subject(s): Youth; Aging TO Y... O..., ESQ, by RICHARD SOLOMON GEDNEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Thou standest well, old mountain! Though thy brow Last Line: "the mighty woe hath broke the feeble heart." Subject(s): Aging; Hearts; Love; Memory TO YOUTH, by ETHEL M. ULRICH Poem Text First Line: Youth - sweet youth - innocent in your ways Last Line: The cruel hands of time never backward turn. Subject(s): Aging TOGETHER, by MARY MAGOG GOGGINS Poem Source First Line: My dear, we are getting old Subject(s): Aging; Togetherness TONGUE AND THROAT PREPARE FOR THE NEXT TWITCH, by PAUL GIBBONS Poem Source First Line: October is locked in moth-flight Last Line: They decide whether or not to return %to the damp cooling sheets Subject(s): Aging TONGUE-TIED, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Someone just told me our tastebuds die Last Line: Between my teeth. Subject(s): Aging; Taste (sense) TORTURER'S APPRENTICE, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Almost a man now %he used to shudder Last Line: Where people do those things Subject(s): Aging; Politics; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 TOUCH FOOTBALL, by JACK DRISCOLL Poem Source First Line: I tackle my father so hard Last Line: Still grips our empty hearts, awakened %and unable to forgive Subject(s): Aging; Sports TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: PART 4. OUT OF THE HOUSE OF CHILDHOOD, by EDWARD CARPENTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: To take by leaving, to hold by letting go Last Line: But who is ready to die to life now, he even now possesses it. Subject(s): Aging; Children; Childhood TOWN MEETING, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: They were defecating in public, he said Last Line: You don't have to be homeless to do that Subject(s): Aging; Politics; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 TRANSLATING MY POLISH MOTHER, by GARY GILDNER Poem Source First Line: I know her by now Last Line: Get back, she'll quit %when her box is full Subject(s): Aging; Mothers TREES UNLEASH SOMETHING, by CLAUDIA MONPERE MCISAAC Poem Source First Line: Only late july Last Line: Were only plums, sticky and warm %from sitting on the porch Subject(s): Aging; Beauty; Change TRIO, by CAROLYN KIZER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Some say sorrow fades Last Line: And a third, who had no song. Subject(s): Aging; Grief; Happiness; Women; Women's Rights; Sorrow; Sadness; Joy; Delight; Feminism TRUE TO BIRTH, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: Stunted and wrinkled, he drags himself along Last Line: And never gives a reason. Subject(s): Aging; Wanderers And Wandering TRYING TO REMEMBER, by JUDITH MINTY Poem Source First Line: A note from my friend on this morning of the first Last Line: I am trying to remember what my grandmother told me Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women TUMESCENCES, REMEMBRANCES, by ELISAVIETTA RITCHIE Poem Source First Line: When I am old and ache and cannot see Last Line: My swelling chins and bosoms all awag %straining to keep my lovers, and my pride Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women TURNING FIFTY, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: This morning I swam out %into the cold Last Line: Carrying my voice out %over the water like a lost scarf Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 TURNING THIRTY, by BETH BRADLEY Poem Source First Line: The silver hands Subject(s): Aging TURNING THIRTY, by WILLIAM DANIEL EHRHART Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: It isn't that I fear Last Line: And when I will be old enough %to know Alternate Author Name(s): Ehrhart, W. D. Subject(s): Aging TURNING THIRTY, by JR. GEORGE EDWARD MURPHY Poem Source First Line: While tonight, upstairs, my children Subject(s): Aging TURNING THIRTY, by KATHA POLLITT Poem Source First Line: This spring, you'd swear it actually gets dark earlier Last Line: Suspended between lives, suspended between destinations Subject(s): Aging; Labor And Laborers TWAS JUST BEFORE THE HAY WAS MOWN, by CHARLES SWAIN Poem Text Poet's Biography Last Line: And lifeless, when I love not thee Subject(s): Aging; Love; Death TWENTY DAYS, by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Twenty days are barely gone Last Line: Other twenty days like these. Subject(s): Aging; Man-woman Relationships; Youth; Male-female Relations TWICE TIMES THEN IS NOW, by IBN HAZM Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: You ask how old am I Last Line: It seems to be Alternate Author Name(s): Ibn Hazm Al-andalusi; Abdalusi, Ibn Hazm Al- Subject(s): Aging TWO AGES, by NICHOLAS KOLUMBAN Poem Source First Line: My daughter thinks that the boogeyman is old Last Line: She's 48 and 19 Subject(s): Aging; Birthdays TWO JOURNEYS, by HORTENSE KING FLEXNER Poem Text First Line: A short step from birth to death Last Line: The grain of innocence. Subject(s): Aging; Bodies; Life TWO LOVERS, by MARY ANN EVANS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Two lovers by a moss-grown spring Last Line: O past that is! Alternate Author Name(s): Eliot, George; Cross, Marian Lewes; Evans, Marian; Ann, Mary Subject(s): Aging; Children; Love - Marital; Marriage; Memory; Nostalgia; Parents; Childhood; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Parenthood ULYSSES, by ALFRED TENNYSON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: It little profits that, an idle king Last Line: To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield. Alternate Author Name(s): Tennyson, Lord Alfred; Tennyson, 1st Baron; Tennyson Of Aldworth And Farringford, Baron Variant Title(s): Ulysses Impatient Of Rest Subject(s): Aging; Explorers; Labor & Laborers; Mythology - Classical; Old Age; Perseverance; Religion; Sea; Ulysses; Wandering & Wanderers; Exploring; Discovery; Discoverers; Work; Workers; Theology; Ocean; Odysseus; Wanderlust; Vagabonds; Tramps; Hoboes UNCLE, by BARRY SEILER Poem Source First Line: I'm older than you will ever be Last Line: Mocking us in their austere cages Subject(s): Aging; Jews; Uncles UNCLE HESS, by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wryest of uncles, and most remote, sam hess Last Line: As though there were no questions and no end Alternate Author Name(s): Merwin, W. S. Subject(s): Aging; Uncles UNDERWOODS: BOOK 1: 29. IN THE STATES, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With half a heart I wander here Last Line: San francisco. Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Subject(s): Aging; Brothers; Half-brothers UNTITLED, by ZHAO ZHENKAI Poem Source First Line: Drenched in the fog Last Line: Between sky and earth Subject(s): Aging UP AND DOWN: 1. A MAGNET, by MARY JO SALTER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Since she was two, it had held up her end Last Line: The street without my finger in her fist Subject(s): Aging UPON HIS GRAYE HAIRES, by ROBERT HERRICK Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Fly me not, though I be gray Last Line: Venus standing vulcan by. Subject(s): Aging VANISHING POINT, by DIXIE LEE HENDERSON PARTRIDGE Poem Source First Line: In the long line of her memory Last Line: Carry her out %into april Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women VERSE WRITTEN IN PARISH REGISTER AT SALTASH, CORNWALL, 1753, by JEWELL DOIDGE Poem Source First Line: When I am full and can't hold more Last Line: Which may of great service too, %to your grand children, after you Subject(s): Aging VERY OLD MAN, by JAMES HENRY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I well remember how some threescore years Last Line: And from my view all objects shutting out. Subject(s): Aging VETERAN SIRENS, by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The ghost of ninon would be sorry now Last Line: So far from ninon and so near the grave. Subject(s): Aging; Courtesans; Lenclos, Anne De (1620-1705); Ninon De Lenclos VIGOROUS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY', by MAX GUTMANN Poem Source First Line: The doc smiles weakly, looks at us Last Line: That gram and gramps are - %well, you know Subject(s): Aging; Grandparents VILLANELLE, by THEODOSIA (PICKERING) GARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: She that was myself went by Last Line: Light of foot and gay of eye. Alternate Author Name(s): Faulks, Frederick J., Mrs. Subject(s): Aging VISIT, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Death is strolling down the walk Last Line: I pick up pieces of the film and hold them up to the moon Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 VISIT, by VIRGINIA RINALDY TERRIS Poem Source First Line: The woman in the old-age home remembers Last Line: The daughter has nothing to say Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women VISIT FROM HER SON, by JULIA ERIN NUNNALLY DUNCAN Poem Source First Line: She leans over her oil heater Last Line: When them that have no business to talk %keep on talking just the same Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women VISIT TO BABCIA, by JOSEPH JOHN KELLY Poem Source First Line: The home where grandmothers come to rave Last Line: She's down there alive with my wife and son Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women VISIT WITH ALICE, by PHIL WEIDMAN Poem Source First Line: In l.A. Went with Last Line: Can no longer %distinguish letters Subject(s): Aging VOLUBLE WHEELCHAIR, by OGDEN NASH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When you roll along admiring the view Last Line: You are on the ball Subject(s): Aging WAITING FOR THE NEWS OF DEATH, by SHEILA BUNKER NICKERSON Poem Source First Line: She is dying in a tiny village Last Line: Will have inched closer to the scythe Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women WAITING WITH NANA, by MARIE ANNE CARTIER Poem Source First Line: Now nana talks to people who are not there Last Line: I tell her she will be home for christmas %I tell her lies Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women WAITING WITH YOU, by JULIE BROOKS BARBOUR Poem Source Last Line: Tell him we'll paint the bedroom and buy new drapes, %maybe a couch for the den Subject(s): Aging; Animals; Dogs; Life; Waiting WARBLER AT HOWELL'S DRIVE-IN, by DAVID BOTTOMS Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: You might come here now Last Line: Or gone into briars, pine needles, air? Subject(s): Adolescence; Aging; Decay; Motion Pictures; Teen Agers; Rot; Decadence; Movies; Cinema WARNING, by JENNIFER JOSEPH Poem Full Text First Line: When I am an old woman I shall wear purple Alternate Author Name(s): Coles, Tony, Mrs.; Joseph, Jenny Subject(s): Aging; Time; Women WARNING, by JENNIFER JOSEPH Poem Source First Line: When I am an old woman I shall wear purple Last Line: So people who know me are too shocked and surprised %when suddenly I am old and start to wear purple Alternate Author Name(s): Coles, Tony, Mrs.; Joseph, Jenny Subject(s): Aging; Time; Women WAY OUT WEST, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As simple an act Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): Aging WAY-STATION, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: What made me think of her today? Last Line: Tissue, skin; one snip %and they unravel Subject(s): Aging WE AGREE TO SLEEP FOR A WEEK, by DOUG ANDERSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: On the first night of our sleeping %as my eyelids began to tremble Last Line: And yet this child at the rudder %and yet this bouquet of knives Subject(s): Aging; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 WELCOME EILD, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: When phoebus in the rainy cloud Last Line: "welcome eild, for youth is gone" Subject(s): Aging WHAT A NURSE TOLD ME, by JACK T. LEDBETTER Poem Source First Line: On tuesdays my mother woke early Last Line: And smelled the hot grain frying %in the sun Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women WHAT FIFTY SAID, by ROBERT FROST Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I was young my teachers were the old Last Line: I got to school to youth to learn the future Subject(s): Aging; Schools; Students WHAT FIFTY SAID, by ROBERT FROST Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I was young my teachers were the old Last Line: I go to school to youth to learn the future Subject(s): Aging; Schools WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?, by PAUL VERLAINE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The sky is up above the roof Last Line: The youth away Subject(s): Aging; Life; Mourning; Youth; Bereavement WHAT THE TRAIN RUN OVER, by LUCY LARCOM Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When the train came shrieking down Last Line: This is what the train runs over. Subject(s): Aging; Children; Death; Railroads; Childhood; Dead, The; Railways; Trains WHAT'S LEFT AFTER A GOOD WOMAN DIES?, by CHARLES FISHMAN Poem Source First Line: After her death, the silence chills Last Line: This dream of relief. These icicles %nothing in this house warms Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women WHAT'S THE USE?, by BURGES JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: What's the use o' growin' up? Last Line: What's the use? Subject(s): Aging; Children; Play; Childhood WHATEVER IT IS, by JIM SIMMERMAN Poem Source First Line: Near the end we will travel as two old men Subject(s): Aging; Healing WHEN ASKED TO WHAT THEY OWE THE SUCCESS OF THEIR MARRIAGE..., by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: By six p.M. He's fainting from Last Line: Agreeing, still, that love's %accomodation, %but wishing that it could have been %more fun Subject(s): Aging WHEN AURELIA FIRST I COURTED, by UNKNOWN Poem Source Subject(s): Aging WHEN FIRST MY WAY, by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When first my way to fair I took Last Line: And long 'tis like to be. Alternate Author Name(s): Housman, A. E. Subject(s): Aging WHEN I AM OLD, by MIRIAM DEL BANCO Poem Text First Line: When I am old and bent with years Last Line: A praise to god that I am old. Subject(s): Aging; Weariness; Wrinkles; Fatigue WHEN I AM OLD..., by LEO LARGUIER Poem Text First Line: When I am old and poet of renown Last Line: And this poor laurel of a glorious name. Subject(s): Aging; Life; Love; Memory WHEN I KNEW EVERYTHING, by ALEXANDER LEHRMAN Poem Source First Line: When I was twenty and knew everything Last Line: I felt the ease of coming softly down Subject(s): Aging; Change; Knowledge WHEN I WAS YOUNG, by IRMA TIBBETTS ANDREWS Poem Text First Line: When I was young, I said I'd never grow Last Line: Like this pressed flower that knew a summer's sun. Subject(s): Aging WHERE WE MEET, by ELIZABETH ZELVIN Poem Source First Line: As the world slow-dances through the universe Last Line: Anchored as we stitch our common way %from dark to morning, from past to future Subject(s): Aging; Psychoanalysis; Relationships WHITE DWARF, by ARCHIE RANDOLPH AMMONS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As I grow older Alternate Author Name(s): Ammons, A. R. Subject(s): Aging WHITE REQUIEM, by S. BERT COOKSLEY Poem Text First Line: Beauty has not spent herself. She is young Last Line: Always: it is I who have become old! Subject(s): Aging; Beauty WHO'S JOKING WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER?, by ANNE STEVENSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Not my final face, a map of how to get there Subject(s): Aging WHY AM I ALWAYS SO DEPRESSED, by HAN-SHAN Poem Source Last Line: Take this old body home and hide it in the mountains Subject(s): Aging WILD THING, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I went for a walk in the sun without Last Line: I know that the consequences could be %dire, %but sometimes a woman simply has to %run wild Subject(s): Aging WILDFLOWERS, by PAMELA MARIE USCHUK Poem Source First Line: I arrange cornflowers, brown-eyed susans Last Line: I'll see you again in the clouds %when the wind stops Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women WILL YOU LOVE ME WHEN I'M OLD, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: Will affection still infold me Last Line: Will thy love endure till then? Subject(s): Aging;love WILT CHAMBERLAIN, by R. R. KNUDSON Poem Source First Line: Wilt was so built Subject(s): Aging; Chamberlain, Wilt (1936-1999); Sports WINGING IT, by JACK ELLIOTT MYERS Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: You and the woman under you Last Line: From here middle age is a wilderness %which looks exactly like the world Subject(s): Aging WINGS FOR HER HORSES, by LINDA KAY Poem Source First Line: Feet, quickly now! Don't hesitate! Last Line: Where can an old woman find wings for her horses? Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women WINTER PALACE, by PHILIP LARKIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Most people know more as they get older Last Line: Then there will be nothing I know. %my mind will fold into itself, like fields, like snow Subject(s): Aging WINTER STARS, by LARRY LEVIS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Fathers & Sons; Aging; Courage; Stars; Sickness; Valor; Bravery; Illness WISDOM COMETH WITH THE YEARS, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now I am young and credulous Last Line: The barren days come, too. Subject(s): Aging; Wisdom WITCH!, by IRENE K. WILSON Poem Source Last Line: Banging her door Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women WITH A BIRTHDAY GIFT OF WEBSTER'S PLAYS, by EDMUND WILLIAM GOSSE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Poet and friend! Pause while the bells of time Last Line: Swoop down and tear the breast of its repose. Subject(s): Aging; Webster, John (1580-1625) WITH ELEANOR NEAR THE END OF A MINUS TIDE, by WALTER DAVID PAVLICH Poem Source First Line: The moon has allowed %us this walk Last Line: Where we were %and where the water will be Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women WOMAN'S HOME, by FAYE MOSKOWITZ Poem Source First Line: Spring has come to the baptist home Last Line: Forgive this fumbling guest %who tenderly disturbs your dust%to buy herself a past Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women WOO NOT THE WORLD, by MUHAMMAD AL-MU'TAMID II Poem Text First Line: Woo not the world too rashly, for behold Last Line: And put on wisdom with the robe of dust. Alternate Author Name(s): Mu'tamid, Al-; Al-mu'tamid Of Sevilla Subject(s): Aging WOOD, by RICHARD BRAUTIGAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We age in darkness like wood Subject(s): Aging WRINKLES, by WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When helen first saw wrinkles in her face Last Line: "well, and what matters it, while thou art too!" Subject(s): Aging; Love; Wrinkles WRINKLES, by JUDITH MICKEL SORNBERGER Poem Source First Line: On a line under one eye Last Line: That, at twenty, I never could have heard Subject(s): Aging; Women; Wrinkles WRIT ON THE EVE OF MY 32ND BIRTHDAY, by GREGORY NUNZIO CORSO Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am 32 years old Last Line: Or my behavior toward society, %but it does tell me my soul has a shadow Alternate Author Name(s): Corso, Gregory Subject(s): Aging WRITTEN IN A CAREFREE MOOD, by LU YU (1125-1210) Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Old man pushing seventy Last Line: Just like the time he first set off for school Alternate Author Name(s): Wu-kuan; Lu You Subject(s): Aging WRONGS OF SPRING, OR NO ALL FOOLS' DAY LIKE ..., by OGDEN NASH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Just because I'm sixty-three Last Line: My senile cackle shall echo after Subject(s): Aging YEARS AFTER, by RAY CLARKE ROSE Poem Text First Line: The years upon you lightly lie Last Line: And that, of course, is why I save them! Subject(s): Aging; Longing; Man-woman Relationships; Past; Time; Male-female Relations YELLOW FLOWERS, by ANTONIN SOVA Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Fields of death grow sear in gloom Last Line: "they will not die. They answer ""no." Subject(s): Aging; Death; Dead, The YOU CAN BE A REPULICAN, I'M A GERONTOCRAT, by OGDEN NASH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, 'rorty' was a mid-victorian word Last Line: All which is why, in case you've wondered %I'd like a companion aged one hundred Subject(s): Aging YOU MIGHT AS WELL LAUGH, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: So your ex-husband's much-younger Last Line: Or dumping a large dose of arsenic in %your stew, %you might as well laugh Subject(s): Aging YOU SAY YOU WANT TO KNOW HOW OLD I AM?, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I don't mind telling my age. I Last Line: No, I'm not ashamed of my age. And %if you insist, I'll tell you my age. %you're what? Still asking? Subject(s): Aging YOU SAY YOU WANT TO KNOW HOW THE CHILDREN ARE DOING?, by JUDITH STAHL VIORST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Shawn teaches wind-surfing. Dawn is a Last Line: And so, if you want to know how the children are doing, %theanswer is, %we're not exactly sure Subject(s): Aging YOUNG CHILD ASKS / 'ARE YOU AN OLD LADY?', by GERI BARTON Poem Source Last Line: Autumn nightfall Subject(s): Aging; Old Age; Women YOUNG IS THE BLOOD THAT YONDER, by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: And new the minted mould: %the thoughts are old Alternate Author Name(s): Housman, A. E. Subject(s): Aging YOUNG MAN IN SUIT, by LAUREL SPEER Poem Source First Line: Did you think you'd always be 23, red of cheek, firm of limb Last Line: Leave you behind, enshrine you in my mind, if I retained you at all Subject(s): Aging; Youth YOUR MARK - MY MARK, by MABEL MARGET RAVENSCRAFT Poem Text First Line: The children skip Last Line: Your mark -- my mark on life's clear face. Subject(s): Aging YOUTH, by IDA M. FORREST Poem Text First Line: Youth is not a time of life Last Line: At the joy such living brings. Subject(s): Aging; Youth YOUTH, by RICHARD SOLOMON GEDNEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, youth! When all seems bright and fair Last Line: To wound us on the morrow! Subject(s): Aging; Children; Youth; Childhood YOUTH AND AGE, by GEORGE ARNOLD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Youth hath many charms Last Line: This twain that gives me happiness! Subject(s): Aging; Youth YOUTH AND AGE, by THOMAS HOOD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Impatient of his childhood Last Line: "I wish I were my son!" Subject(s): Aging YOUTH AND AGE, by HENRY HOWARD Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Laid in my quiet bed, in study as I were Last Line: If, to their time, they reason had, to know the truth of this.' Alternate Author Name(s): Surrey, Earl Of Variant Title(s): The Age Of Children Happiest;from Boy To Man;how The Age Of Children Is The Happiest;no Age Content With His Own Estate;how No Age Is Content With His Own Estate Subject(s): Aging; Discontent; Youth; Dissatisfaction YOUTH AND AGE, by JOHN COWPER POWYS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O wanton youth, this wind was not Last Line: "the heart of youth is wise." Subject(s): Aging; Gardens & Gardening; Hearts; Memory; Wind; Wisdom; Youth YOUTH AND AGE, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When in our blithest youth we Last Line: In the old eyes -- too glad to weep. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Aging; Youth YOUTH AND AGE, by JOHN LAWSON STODDARD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I will gain a fortune, the young man cried Last Line: "to bind the reef that breasts the storm!" Subject(s): Aging; Life; Wealth; Youth; Riches; Fortunes YOUTH IN AGE, by GEORGE MEREDITH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Once I was part of the music I heard Last Line: As it will for sheer love till the last long sigh. Subject(s): Aging; Birds; Death; Youth; Dead, The YOUTHFUL AGE, by ANACREON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Young men dancing, and the old Last Line: For his heart belies his hairs. Alternate Author Name(s): Anakreon; Anacreontea Variant Title(s): Young Men Dancing Subject(s): Aging |
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