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Age Quote by Billy Collins

“The whole idea of it makes me feel Like I’m coming down with something, Something worse than any stomach ache Or the headaches I get from reading in bad light – A kind of measles of the spirit A mumps of the psyche, A disfiguring chicken pox of the soul. You tell me it is too early to be looking…” quote by Billy Collins
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““The whole idea of it makes me feel Like I’m coming down with something, Something worse than any stomach ache Or the headaches I get from reading in bad light – A kind of measles of the spirit A mumps of the psyche, A disfiguring chicken pox of the soul. You tell me it is too early to be looking back, But that is because you have forgotten The perfect simplicity of being one And the beautiful complexity introduced by two But I can lie on my bed and remember every digit At four I was an Arabian wizard I could make myself invisible By drinking a glass of milk a certain way. At seven I was a solider, at nine a prince. But now I am mostly at the window Watching the late afternoon light. Back then it never fell so solemnly Against the side of my tree house, And my bicycle never leaned against the garage As it does today, All the dark blue speed drained out of it. This is the beginning of sadness, I say to myself, As I walk through the universe in my sneakers. It is time to say good-bye to my imagry friends, Time to turn the first big number.””

Billy Collins

About This Quote

Source Poem: "On Turning Ten" by Billy Collins, 1995

The poem describes the sadness of growing up, leaving childhood imagination behind, and facing the loss of innocence.

In simple terms: Growing up means losing childhood magic.

Key Takeaway

Cherish childhood's imagination while it lasts.

Themes

Childhood Growing up Loss Imagination Sadness Time

Mood

Nostalgic Sad Beautiful Reflective

Type

Poetic Philosophical Emotional

When to use this quote

  • Parenting
  • Self-reflection
  • Dealing with aging
  • Poetry analysis

Key Concepts

Nostalgia Innocence Mortality

Questions to Reflect On

  • What childhood magic do you miss?
  • How can you keep imagination alive as an adult?
A Different Perspective

The sadness of aging is balanced by new experiences and wisdom.

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