Youth and Age

Name: Youth and Age
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The poem explores the contrast between youth and age, reflecting on the joys and vitality of youth while lamenting the inevitable passage of time. The speaker reminisces about a time when life was filled with hope, nature, and creativity, symbolized by the carefree existence of youth. The imagery of blossoms, friendship, and love highlights the beauty and simplicity of youthful experiences. As the speaker transitions to the present, a sense of loss and sorrow emerges. The physical changes associated with aging—silver hair, a drooping gait—serve as reminders of the fleeting nature of youth. Despite these changes, the speaker clings to the idea that youth remains a part of their identity, suggesting a struggle to reconcile the past with the present. The poem also delves into the emotional weight of aging, portraying life as a series of departures and farewells. The metaphor of a guest who has overstayed their welcome encapsulates the discomfort and sadness that accompany the realization of aging. Ultimately, the work reflects on the bittersweet nature of life, where the memories of youth coexist with the realities of growing older, emphasizing the enduring connection between the speaker and their youthful self.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1796 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical Poetry · 524 words

First lines

Verse, a breeze mid blossoms straying, Where Hope clung feeding, like a bee -- Both were mine! Life went a-maying With Nature, Hope, and Poesy, When I was young!

_When_ I was young? -- Ah, woeful When! Ah! for the change 'twixt Now and Then! This breathing house not built with hands, This body that does me grievous wrong, O'er aery cliffs and glittering sands, How lightly _then_ it flashed along: -- Like those trim skiffs, unknown of yore, On winding lakes and rivers wide, That ask no aid of sail or oar, That fear no spite of wind or tide! Nought cared this body for wind or weather When Youth and I lived in't together.

What this Textopian page supports

Youth and Age is listed on Textopian as a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1796 CE.

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

Work type: Poem
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1796 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical Poetry, Nostalgia, Nature Poetry
Length: 524 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Youth and Age by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Youth and Age?
How does this poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections on youth and age, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Romanticism — The themes of nature, emotion, and the idealization of youth align with Romantic literary ideals.
Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of life, existence, and the passage of time reflects philosophical inquiries.
Nostalgia — The poem evokes a sense of longing for the past and the innocence of youth.