So may'st thou live, till like ripe fruit thou drop Into…
“So may'st thou live, till like ripe fruit thou drop Into thy mother's lap, or be with ease Gathered, not harshly plucked, for death mature: This is old age; but then thou must outlive Thy youth, thy strength, thy beauty, which will change To withered weak and grey.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Life progresses from youthful vigor to old age, where one must endure decline after the prime of strength and beauty.
In simple terms: Youth fades, old age follows.
Key Takeaway
Accept aging and its changes.
Themes
mortality
aging
transience
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
poetic
When to use this quote
- elder care
- retirement planning
- health monitoring
- intergenerational support
Key Concepts
human condition
impermanence
life cycle
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you honor the wisdom of aging?
- What practices sustain vitality in later years?
A Different Perspective
Aging is not inevitable; some may maintain vitality longer.