When I'm old



I like people very much
It’s with myself I’m not in touch.
When I was young, I thought I would
When I grew old, be wise and good

I thought I’d learn and never make
Another thoughtless, dumb mistake,
But alas, so far, it is not true.
By the end of day, I’ve much to rue.

Old age is here, but perfection’s not
Blunders are made and lessons forgot.
If I live to a hundred, will I then be through
Repeating mistakes, and to myself be true?

Will I then guard closely the words I say?
And at last be astute at the end of my day?
The answer is out there for the future to tell
My only course of action is to try to live well.

About this poem

Just a fun rhyme reflecting what I so often feel when, still, in my old age, I've acted foolishly or made a poor decision.

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Written on September 24, 2023

Submitted by janet_1 on September 24, 2023

41 sec read
113

Quick analysis:

Scheme AABB CCDD EEDD FFGG
Closest metre Iambic pentameter
Characters 634
Words 139
Stanzas 4
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4

Janet Muirhead Hill

Janet Muirhead Hill is a novelist who occasionally writes poetry for fun and for self-expression. Her published books include the Miranda and Starlight series of horse stories for middle-grade readers and other fiction. more…

All Janet Muirhead Hill poems | Janet Muirhead Hill Books

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Discuss the poem When I'm old with the community...

4 Comments
  • Soulwriter
    True and relatable words. Beautifully written.. Thank you
    LikeReply5 months ago
    • janet_1
      Thank you for your kind comments on "When I'm Old."
      LikeReply 15 months ago
  • Vixility
    Indeed, so relatable! Congratulations on placing …
    LikeReply 16 months ago
    • janet_1
      Thank you so much!
      LikeReply6 months ago
  • rainablesi
    It’s a very relatable poem and the language used was moving.
    LikeReply6 months ago
    • janet_1
      Thank you for your kind compliment.
      LikeReply6 months ago
  • Thesummernixon
    It resonated with me, with it's delivery enthralling and sentimental. This poem reminded me of the wonder in life and the inevitable end. Thank you.
    LikeReply6 months ago
    • janet_1
      Thank you so much. I'm glad you liked it.
      LikeReply6 months ago

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"When I'm old" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/170971/when-i'm-old>.

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