On Aging Poem by Maya Angelou

On Aging

Rating: 4.6


When you see me sitting quietly,
Like a sack left on the shelf,
Don’t think I need your chattering.
I’m listening to myself.
Hold! Stop! Don’t pity me!
Hold! Stop your sympathy!
Understanding if you got it,
Otherwise I’ll do without it!
When my bones are stiff and aching,
And my feet won’t climb the stair,
I will only ask one favor:
Don’t bring me no rocking chair.
When you see me walking, stumbling,
Don’t study and get it wrong.
‘Cause tired don’t mean lazy
And every goodbye ain’t gone.
I’m the same person I was back then,
A little less hair, a little less chin,
A lot less lungs and much less wind.
But ain’t I lucky I can still breathe in.

Thursday, May 14, 2015
Topic(s) of this poem: aging
COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Susan Williams 30 December 2015

The aged still have pride- that young person who ran and jumped and danced and loved is still there- right behind their eyes so give them the respect of their years

58 10 Reply
Manas Madrecha 18 June 2015

The poetess has beautifully described the mettle of an elderly person who refuses to get overwhelmed by old-age...

23 10 Reply

Even if one is aged his spirit of life is still there and his visions of world is also important. Here the great poetess briefly in the poem describes the aging situation and it felt as so great.

14 14 Reply
Atul Chandra Sarkar 12 November 2015

You have to be fortunate to reach old age. Well concluded: But ain’t I lucky I can still breathe in.

14 11 Reply
Neran Sati 14 November 2015

beautifully etched personal dignity irrespective of age and condition .. all values and traits remaining kept!

15 8 Reply
Charlie 08 January 2021

Hi, Just a question,

3 5 Reply
Pontso Mahooa 25 November 2020

A beautiful poem about aging and embracing all that comes with it. Letting the world know there is no need for society to show sympathy to the elderly just because they have aged. It rather persuades to acknowledge how much a gift it is to be old and still breathing

5 4 Reply
Suresh Kumar Ek 05 September 2020

no need of sympathy.good art

4 3 Reply
Rajnish Manga 06 April 2020

Aging is an essential element of life but it does change the outlook of those around us. The poem reflects upon these behavioral changes- very humane and just. Thanks.

4 6 Reply
Kumarmani Mahakul 06 April 2020

It is a well crafted poem on aging by Maya Angeleu.

2 6 Reply
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