On Aging
On Aging - meaning Summary
Voice Against Pity
The poem presents an older speaker insisting on dignity and selfhood despite physical decline. She rebukes pity and intrusive sympathy, asking others to stop treating her as helpless or stereotyped. She refuses patronizing comforts and clarifies that stiffness or slowed movement is not laziness. Ultimately the speaker affirms continuity of identity and expresses simple gratitude for still being able to breathe and live on her own terms.
Read Complete AnalysesWhen 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.
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