Age Quote by Philip Larkin
“Heads in the Women's Ward On pillow after pillow lies The wild white hair and staring eyes; Jaws stand open; necks are stretched With every tendon sharply sketched; A bearded mouth talks silently To someone no one else can see. Sixty years ago they smiled At lover, husband, first-born child. Smiles are for youth. For old age come Death's terror and delirium.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Heads in the Women's Ward, 1972
A vivid, haunting depiction of aging women in a ward, contrasting youthful memories with the terror of death.
In simple terms: Elderly women face death and memory loss.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge the fragility of life.
Themes
aging
memory
death
loneliness
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- healthcare
- elder care
- psychology
- poetry
Key Concepts
existentialism
mortality
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this reveal about society's view of aging?
- How can we better support the elderly?
