When You Are Old" WHEN you are old and grey and full of…
“When You Are Old" WHEN you are old and grey and full of sleep, And nodding by the fire, take down this book, And slowly read, and dream of the soft look Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep; How many loved your moments of glad grace, And loved your beauty with love false or true, But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you, And loved the sorrows of your changing face; And bending down beside the glowing bars, Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled And paced upon the mountains overhead And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poem reflects on aging, love, and the enduring value of a soul over physical beauty.
In simple terms: Ages bring reflection on love and inner self.
Key Takeaway
Cherish deeper connections beyond appearance.
Themes
aging
love
memory
Mood
nostalgic
melancholy
Type
poetic
contemplative
When to use this quote
- elderly reflections
- romantic retrospection
- legacy writing
- personal journaling
Key Concepts
transcendence
inner beauty
Questions to Reflect On
- What lasting qualities matter most?
- How do you honor inner growth?
A Different Perspective
Physical beauty fades, but emotional bonds endure.