The Road to Old Man's Town
The Road to Old Man's Town - meaning Summary
Inevitable March Toward Old Age
The poem contrasts the brightness of youth with the steady decline into old age. Paterson uses a journey metaphor — slopes, foothills and a place called Old Man's Town — to show how time carries everyone toward physical decay. Companions walk alongside for a while, but the speaker fears the ultimate loneliness of aging. The tone blends wistfulness and resignation about an unavoidable, communal fate.
Read Complete AnalysesThe fields of youth are filled with flowers, The wine of youth is strong: What need have we to count the hours? The summer days are long. But soon we find to our dismay That we are drifting down The barren slopes that fall away Towards the foothills grim and grey That lead to Old Man's Town. And marching with us on the track Full many friends we find: We see them looking sadly back For those who've dropped behind But God forfend a fate so dread -- Alone to travel down The dreary road we all must tread, With faltering steps and whitening head, The road to Old Man's Town!
Feel free to be first to leave comment.