In the Old Age of the Soul
In the Old Age of the Soul - fact Summary
From Personae Collection
This short poem presents an aging speaker who experiences sudden, vivid impulses for heroic action despite knowing such deeds no longer suit him. Pound likens the soul to an old warrior briefly revived by familiar arms, emphasizing tension between remembered vigor and current limitations. The voice registers longing, nostalgia, and self-awareness rather than literal combat, framing personal aging as a conflict between desire and the prudence of years.
Read Complete AnalysesI do not choose to dream; there cometh on me Some strange old lust for deeds. As to the nerveless hand of some old warrior The sword-hilt or the war-worn wonted helmet Brings momentary life and long-fled cunning, So to my soul grown old - Grown old with many a jousting, many a foray, Grown old with namy a hither-coming and hence-going - Till now they send him dreams and no more deed; So doth he flame again with might for action, Forgetful of the council of elders, Forgetful that who rules doth no more battle, Forgetful that such might no more cleaves to him So doth he flame again toward valiant doing.
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