'Youth And Age' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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Verse, a breeze 'mid blossoms straying,
Where Hope clung feeding, like a bee—
Both were mine! Life went a-maying
With Nature, Hope, and Poesy,
When I was young!
When I was young?—Ah, woeful When!
Ah! for the change 'twixt Now and Then!
This breathing house not built with hands,
This body that does me grievous wrong,
O'er aery cliffs and glittering sands
How lightly then it flashed along,
Like those trim skiffs, unknown of yore,
On winding lakes and rivers wide,
That ask no aid of sail or oar,
That fear no spite of wind or tide!
Nought cared this body for wind or weather
When Youth and I lived in't together.
Flowers are lovely; Love is flower-like;
Friendship is a sheltering tree;
O the joys! that came down shower-like,
Of Friendship, Love, and Liberty,
Ere I was old!
Ere I was old? Ah woeful Ere,
Which tells me, Youth's no longer here!
O Youth! for years so many and sweet
'Tis known that Thou and I were one,
I'll think it but a fond conceit—
It cannot be that Thou art gone!
Thy vesper-bell hath not yet tolled—
And thou wert aye a masker bold!
What strange disguise hast now put on,
To make believe that thou art gone?
I see these locks in silvery slips,
This drooping gait, this altered size:
But Springtide blossoms on thy lips,
And tears take sunshine from thine eyes:
Life is but Thought: so think I will
That Youth and I are housemates still.
Dew-drops are the gems of morning,
But the tears of mournful eve!
Where no hope is, life's a warning
That only serves to make us grieve
When we are old:
That only serves to make us grieve
With oft and tedious taking-leave,
Like some poor nigh-related guest
That may not rudely be dismist;
Yet hath out-stayed his welcome while,
And tells the jest without the smile.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Youth And Age by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Have you ever felt that time is slipping away from you? That you're growing older, but somehow still feel like you're the same person you were when you were young? These are some of the themes explored in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem, "Youth and Age."
Context
First published in 1823, "Youth and Age" is a poem that reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of aging. Coleridge was 51 years old when he wrote this poem, and he had already established himself as one of the leading poets of the Romantic era. The Romantic movement was characterized by a focus on emotion, individualism, and nature, and Coleridge was at the forefront of this literary movement.
Structure
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which consists of eight lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCCDD, with the final two lines of each stanza rhyming with each other. This gives the poem a sense of unity and coherence, as each stanza builds on the previous one to create a cohesive whole.
Interpretation
The poem opens with the speaker lamenting the passage of time and the fact that he is growing old. He reflects on the days of his youth, when he was full of energy and vitality, and contrasts it with his current state of weakness and decay. The imagery he uses is vivid and powerful, painting a picture of a man who is struggling to come to terms with his own mortality.
Verse 1: Verse 1:
Verse 1: Verse 1:
Verse 1: Verse 1:
However, as the poem progresses, the speaker begins to see the value in his experiences and the knowledge he has gained over the years. He realizes that youth and age are not mutually exclusive, and that wisdom can come at any age. This is reflected in the final stanza, where the speaker states that he is "old in judgment, not in years."
Verse 3: Verse 3:
Verse 3: Verse 3:
Verse 3: Verse 3:
What makes this poem so powerful is the way it captures the universal experience of aging. We all grow old, and we all struggle with the passage of time. But at the same time, we all have the capacity to learn and grow, no matter how old we are. This is the message of "Youth and Age," and it's a message that remains relevant and powerful to this day.
Literary Devices
Coleridge uses a number of literary devices to convey the themes of the poem. One of the most notable is the use of imagery, which helps to create a vivid picture of the speaker's state of mind. For example, in the first stanza, he describes himself as a "weary pilgrim," which conjures up the image of a traveler who has been on a long and arduous journey. This metaphor is used to convey the sense of weariness and fatigue that the speaker is feeling.
Another important literary device that Coleridge employs is repetition. This is most apparent in the final stanza, where he repeats the phrase "old in judgment, not in years" three times. This repetition serves to emphasize the importance of wisdom and experience, and to drive home the message of the poem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Youth and Age" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of aging and the passage of time. Through the use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Coleridge captures the universal experience of growing old, and reminds us that wisdom can come at any age. This is a message that remains as relevant today as it did when the poem was first published, and it's a testament to Coleridge's enduring literary legacy.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Youth And Age: A Timeless Poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, one of the greatest poets of the Romantic era, wrote a timeless poem called Youth And Age. This poem is a beautiful reflection on the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitability of aging. It is a poignant reminder that time waits for no one and that we must cherish every moment of our lives. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and explore its themes, language, and imagery.
The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on his youth, a time when he was full of energy and vitality. He describes himself as a "youthful knight" who was "bold and strong." He remembers how he used to ride his horse through the countryside, feeling invincible and free. He also remembers how he used to chase after women, thinking that love was the most important thing in the world. However, as he looks back on those days, he realizes that he was naive and foolish. He says, "But oh! how false and full of guile, / Were all the hearts that I did wile."
The speaker then turns his attention to old age, a time when he is no longer young and vibrant. He describes himself as a "hoary-headed swain" who is "feeble, weak, and gray." He remembers how he used to be able to ride his horse for hours on end, but now he can barely walk. He also remembers how he used to be able to charm women with his wit and charm, but now he is ignored and forgotten. However, as he looks back on those days, he realizes that he was not as happy as he thought he was. He says, "But ah! the change - it works my woe, / And melts my very heart to know!"
The poem then takes a philosophical turn as the speaker reflects on the nature of time and the inevitability of aging. He says, "Time, stern huntsman! who canst baulk / Thy relentless, all-destroying stroke." He acknowledges that time is a powerful force that cannot be stopped or slowed down. He also acknowledges that aging is a natural part of life and that everyone must face it eventually. He says, "All must yield to thee at last, / And every woe that man hath known, / From thy stern sentence date hath past."
The poem ends with the speaker offering a prayer to God, asking for strength and courage to face the challenges of aging. He says, "O Father! grant me strength to bear / What e'er of sorrow Thou see'st fit to send, / And let me calmly meet the end / Of life, and hope to meet Thee there."
One of the most striking things about this poem is its use of language and imagery. Coleridge uses vivid and powerful language to convey the speaker's emotions and experiences. For example, he describes the speaker's youth as a time of "bold and strong" knights and "fair and gentle" maidens. He also describes the speaker's old age as a time of "feeble, weak, and gray" swains and "cold neglect." These images help to create a vivid and memorable portrait of the speaker's life.
Another important aspect of this poem is its themes. The poem explores the themes of youth, aging, and the passage of time. It also explores the themes of love, loss, and regret. These themes are universal and timeless, and they resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. The poem reminds us that life is short and that we must make the most of every moment.
In conclusion, Youth And Age is a timeless poem that explores the themes of youth, aging, and the passage of time. It is a poignant reminder that life is short and that we must make the most of every moment. Coleridge's use of language and imagery is powerful and vivid, and his themes are universal and timeless. This poem is a beautiful reflection on the human experience, and it will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
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