Philip Larkin

Long Sight in Age

Long Sight in Age - meaning Summary

Sight Altered by Ageing

The poem explores the common idea that ageing clarifies perception. Using the repeated phrase they say, the speaker presents the claim that, like dew clarifying air, time sharpens the outlines of things so their last shapes become visible. Natural images—trees, grass, wind—are invoked to show objects returning to focus in later life. The tone registers observation rather than full endorsement, leaving room for doubt about this consoling notion.

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They say eyes clear with age, As dew clarifies air To sharpen evenings, As if time put an edge Round the last shape of things To show them there; The many-levelled trees, The long soft tides of grass Wrinkling away the gold Wind-ridden waves- all these, They say, come back to focus As we grow old.

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