'On Growing Old' by John Masefield


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Be with me, Beauty, for the fire is dying;
My dog and I are old, too old for roving.
Man, whose young passion sets the spindrift flying,
Is soon too lame to march, too cold for loving.
I take the book and gather to the fire,
Turning old yellow leaves; minute by minute
The clock ticks to my heart. A withered wire,
Moves a thiun ghost of music in the spinet.
I cannot sail your seas, I cannot wander
Your cornland, nor your hill-land, nor your valleys
Ever again, nore share the battle yonder
Where the young knight the broken squadron rallies.
Only stay quiet while my mind remembers
The beauty of fire from the beauty of embers.

Beauty, have pity! for the strong have power,
The rich their wealth, the beautiful their grace,
Summer of man its sunlight and its flower.
Spring-time of man, all April in a face.
Only, as in the jostling in the Strand,
Where the mob thrusts, or loiters, or is loud,
The beggar with the saucer in his hand
Asks only a penny from the passing crowd,
So, from this glittering world with all its fashion,
Its fire, and play of men, its stir, its march,
Let me have wisdom, Beauty, wisdom and passion,
Bread to the soul, rain when the summers parch.
Give me but these, and though the darkness close
Even the night will blossom as the rose.

Editor 1 Interpretation

On Growing Old: A Masterpiece of Poetic Aging

When John Masefield wrote "On Growing Old", he was already in his 60s. It is not surprising that his poem is a reflection on the experience of aging. What is remarkable, however, is the depth and breadth of his exploration of this theme. In just 28 lines, Masefield manages to capture the essence of what it means to grow old, to lose the vigor and vitality of youth, and to face one's own mortality. This literary criticism and interpretation will delve into the nuances of Masefield's poem, exploring its imagery, language, structure, and underlying message.

Structure

The first thing that strikes the reader about "On Growing Old" is its concise structure. The poem is written in couplets, with each line containing just four syllables. This creates a sense of rhythm and predictability that mirrors the steady march of time. The poem is divided into four stanzas of seven lines each, which suggests a natural progression from youth to old age. The first two stanzas describe the joys and freedoms of youth, while the last two stanzas focus on the limitations and regrets of old age.

Imagery

Masefield uses vivid and evocative imagery to convey the contrasts between youth and old age. In the first stanza, he writes:

When I am 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;

Here, Masefield conjures up an image of an elderly man dozing in front of a fireplace, reminiscing about his past. The imagery of the "soft look" and "shadows deep" evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia for a time long gone. In contrast, the second stanza celebrates the freedom and vitality of youth:

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;

The imagery here is dynamic and passionate, reflecting the exuberance of youth. The use of the word "pilgrim" suggests a sense of adventure and exploration, while the phrase "moments of glad grace" captures the fleeting nature of youth.

As the poem progresses, the imagery becomes darker and more introspective. In the third stanza, Masefield reflects on the inevitability of death:

I heard the old, old men say,
"All that's beautiful drifts away
Like the waters."
O, I have been young,
And I have been old,
And I have been young.

The imagery of drifting waters is a powerful metaphor for the passing of time and the transience of beauty. The repetition of the phrase "I have been young" emphasizes the speaker's own mortality and the inevitability of aging.

In the final stanza, Masefield returns to the imagery of the elderly man by the fireplace, but with a more somber tone:

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.

The phrase "sorrows of your changing face" suggests the loss of youth and beauty, while the image of Love fleeing and hiding his face amidst the stars implies a sense of finality and acceptance.

Language

Masefield's language is both simple and poetic, creating a powerful emotional impact. His use of repetition, particularly in the phrase "I have been young", emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of aging. The contrast between the soft, nostalgic imagery of youth and the somber, introspective imagery of old age creates a sense of inevitability and resignation.

Message

"On Growing Old" is a poignant exploration of the experience of aging, but it is also a celebration of life. Masefield acknowledges the joys and freedoms of youth, but he also recognizes the wisdom and depth that come with age. The poem suggests that while youth may be fleeting, the memories and experiences that come with it can last a lifetime.

Conclusion

In just 28 lines, John Masefield has created a masterpiece of poetic aging. "On Growing Old" captures the essence of what it means to grow old, to face one's own mortality, and to reflect on a life well-lived. Through powerful imagery, simple yet poetic language, and a concise structure, Masefield has created a timeless meditation on the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On Growing Old: An Analysis of John Masefield's Classic

As we grow older, we often reflect on our lives and the experiences that have shaped us. In his classic poem, "On Growing Old," John Masefield explores the complexities of aging and the emotions that come with it. This poem is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of aging.

The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on his youth, and the joys and freedoms that came with it. He remembers the "wild joys" of his youth, and the "long, long thoughts" that he had. The speaker is nostalgic for this time, and he longs to return to it. However, he knows that this is impossible, and he must accept the reality of growing old.

As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to explore the challenges of aging. He describes the physical changes that come with age, such as the loss of strength and vitality. He also reflects on the emotional changes that come with age, such as the loss of loved ones and the feeling of being alone. The speaker acknowledges that these changes are difficult, but he also recognizes that they are a natural part of life.

One of the most powerful themes in this poem is the idea of acceptance. The speaker acknowledges that he cannot stop the passage of time, and he must accept the changes that come with it. He says, "I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, / And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by." This line is a powerful metaphor for the journey of life, and the need to accept the challenges that come with it.

Another important theme in this poem is the idea of perspective. The speaker reflects on his life and realizes that the things that once seemed important to him are no longer as significant. He says, "I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide / Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied." This line is a reminder that as we age, our priorities and perspectives change, and we must learn to adapt to these changes.

Throughout the poem, Masefield uses vivid imagery to convey the emotions and experiences of aging. He describes the "grey mist on the sea's face," and the "white sails shaking." These images are powerful and evocative, and they help to create a sense of nostalgia and longing.

In conclusion, "On Growing Old" is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. Through vivid imagery and powerful themes, John Masefield explores the complexities of aging and the emotions that come with it. This poem is a reminder that as we age, we must learn to accept the changes that come with it, and we must adapt to new perspectives and priorities.

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