It's an Owercome Sooth for Age an' Youth

Name: It's an Owercome Sooth for Age an' Youth
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The work explores the theme of friendship across different stages of life, emphasizing the deep bonds formed over time. It reflects on the contrast between old and new friendships, suggesting that the most meaningful connections are those that have endured the test of time. The speaker laments the loss of these long-standing friends, indicating that while new acquaintances may come and go, the value of established relationships is irreplaceable. The narrative conveys a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, as the speaker grapples with the reality of aging and the inevitable loss that accompanies it. The idea that youth is a period of trial underscores the uncertainty and transience of new friendships, which may lack the depth and understanding found in older relationships. The speaker acknowledges the presence of kind-hearted individuals but ultimately concludes that true companionship is best found among those who have shared a long history. The work also touches on the inevitability of death, suggesting that the grave is where one might seek the comfort of those who have passed. This notion reinforces the idea that while life may bring new friends, the most profound connections are often with those who have been part of one's journey for a long time. The emotional weight of the poem lies in its recognition of the fragility of relationships and the enduring impact of those who have been lost. Overall, the piece serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing long-term friendships and the bittersweet nature of life's transitions. It invites reflection on the value of loyalty, shared experiences, and the lasting imprint that friends leave on our lives, regardless of their physical presence.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Romanticism · 135 words

First lines

IT'S an owercome sooth for age an' youth And it brooks wi' nae denial, That the dearest friends are the auldest friends And the young are just on trial.

There's a rival bauld wi' young an' auld And it's him that has bereft me; For the sürest friends are the auldest friends And the maist o' mines hae left me.

There are kind hearts still, for friends to fill And fools to take and break them; But the nearest friends are the auldest friends And the grave's the place to seek them.

What this Textopian page supports

It's an Owercome Sooth for Age an' Youth is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1895 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1895 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Romanticism, Philosophical Literature, Narrative Poetry
Length: 135 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Literary Fiction — The themes of friendship, age, and loss reflect deep emotional and philosophical explorations typical of literary fiction.
Romanticism — The emphasis on personal emotions and the value of long-standing relationships aligns with Romantic ideals.
Philosophical Literature — The exploration of friendship and the passage of time invites philosophical reflection on human connections.