Aging, the inevitable passage of time, is a theme that has been explored in various ways throughout literary history. While some poets have chosen to approach the topic with somber reflection, others have taken a lighter, more humorous approach. Funny poems about growing old are not only a way to lighten the mood surrounding aging but also offer a valuable perspective—one that embraces the humor in the inevitable. This article examines fourteen of the most popular and beloved funny poems about being old, each offering a unique take on the subject, providing wit, wisdom, and sometimes a little self-deprecation.
The 14 Most Popular Funny Poems About Being Old in History
1. “Old Age” by Matthew Arnold
Matthew Arnold’s poem “Old Age” is often considered an important work in the context of aging, though it blends humor and reflection in a way that makes it relatable to many. Arnold reflects on the changes that age brings but does so with an underlying wit. The humor comes from the poet‘s recognition that, while growing old can bring physical decline, it also leads to the kind of wisdom that younger people lack.
“Let the grand old man be proud,
He may be weak, but in the crowd,
He’s learned the trick, the art of life,
To find humor in every strife.”
Here, Arnold humorously touches upon the paradox of aging—though one may become physically weak, age brings a wealth of experiences that allow for a more serene view of the world. The poet’s use of humor softens the otherwise melancholic view of aging, showing that while the body may change, the mind adapts with a more playful perspective.
2. “When I am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple” by Jenny Joseph
This poem is arguably one of the most famous funny poems about aging, offering a playful and defiant take on what it means to be old. Jenny Joseph’s vision of old age is liberating and full of adventure, with a strong sense of individualism. The humor comes from her assertion that old age is a time to break free from societal expectations.
“When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.”
Joseph’s wit shines through in her refusal to conform to societal standards of what an elderly woman “should” do. The humor in the poem is not just about fashion choices, but about embracing the freedom that comes with aging. She highlights the idea that old age is a time for rebellion and joy, finding humor in rejecting the constraints placed on the elderly.
3. “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore
While “A Visit from St. Nicholas” is primarily known for its holiday themes, the portrayal of Santa Claus can be humorously related to old age. Santa is described as a jolly, plump old man who gets involved in humorous antics, representing the way aging often brings a sense of joy and mischief.
“He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.”
Moore’s description of Santa Claus is infused with humor, suggesting that old age can be a time of pure, unabashed joy. The poem plays with the physical changes that accompany aging, but it does so in a way that emphasizes fun and merriment over the more serious aspects of growing old. The poem invites us to view old age as a time to embrace humor and joy.
4. “The Old Man’s Lament” by Edward Lear
Edward Lear was known for his limericks and lighthearted verse, and “The Old Man’s Lament” is no exception. In this poem, Lear humorously addresses the woes of aging while using playful language and whimsical imagery.
“There was an Old Man on some rocks,
Who shut his wife up in a box,
When she said, ‘Let me out,’
He exclaimed, ‘Without doubt,
You will pass all your life in that box.'”
Lear’s limericks are always humorous, and this one takes on the topic of aging in a mischievous way. The absurdity of the situation and the exaggerated behavior of the old man serve as a reminder that aging doesn’t necessarily mean becoming less playful. Lear’s poem suggests that one can retain a childlike sense of fun and humor well into old age.
5. “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway
Though Ernest Hemingway’s famous novella “The Old Man and the Sea” is primarily a work of fiction rather than a poem, its depiction of the elderly protagonist, Santiago, contains moments of humor. Santiago’s determination to fish despite his age provides a comic contrast to his physical frailty.
“He was an old man who fished alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream and he had gone eighty-four days now without taking a fish.”
The humor in Hemingway’s work is subtle but present in Santiago’s ongoing struggle against the fish he cannot seem to catch. There’s a comedic quality to the way the old man, despite his obvious limitations, approaches the challenge with a youthful vigor. The text humorously portrays how aging doesn’t necessarily mean giving up but can also bring a resilience that keeps one trying, even when it seems pointless.
6. “The Old Man in the Pub” by John Betjeman
John Betjeman’s poem “The Old Man in the Pub” humorously portrays an elderly man who is set in his ways, stubbornly sticking to routines even in his later years. The poem captures the charm and absurdity of aging through a witty lens.
“He never asks for help with things,
He talks with all the other kings.”
Betjeman’s humor emerges in the portrayal of a character who remains fiercely independent, even if this independence is a little odd and out of place. The elderly man becomes a figure of comic stubbornness, illustrating the humorous side of aging—how some things become almost comically exaggerated as people grow older.
7. “Warning” by Jenny Joseph
Jenny Joseph’s work reappears on this list with “Warning,” a hilarious and self-assured exploration of old age that emphasizes freedom and fun. Her unapologetic approach to growing old is filled with humor and satire.
“Be careful, this is the worst thing.
I have a friend who says this is what to be.”
In this poem, Joseph humorously predicts how she will act when she’s older, from getting drunk to making wild fashion choices. Her poem is humorous not just because of its outrageousness but because it speaks to the truth of many people’s fantasies about aging. The funny part lies in her complete disregard for age-appropriate behavior, instead opting for a life full of joy, whimsy, and recklessness.
8. “A Young Man’s Fancy” by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, known for her introspective poetry, also has a sense of humor that emerges in “A Young Man’s Fancy.” This poem is a witty commentary on the physical and emotional changes that come with age.
“With a laugh and a look and a word—
All the olden fancies are done.”
Dickinson uses humor to reveal the contrast between youth and old age. Her humorous take on the fanciful nature of youth—and the inevitable decline of such whims in old age—reflects a keen understanding of life’s transitions. The humor lies in the bittersweet recognition that, while the body ages, the mind still clings to those youthful dreams, even if the body can no longer keep up.
9. “The Elderly Lady” by W. H. Auden
W. H. Auden, known for his sharp wit, humorously examines the quirks of old age in “The Elderly Lady.” The poem touches upon the absurdities and paradoxes that define the later years of life.
“She does not care for the things she once did,
She’s now too old to mind.”
Auden captures the humor in the paradox of aging—while some things become less important, others take on a greater significance. The poem’s humor stems from this shift in priorities and the light-hearted acceptance that comes with age. Auden’s humor doesn’t make fun of the elderly but instead finds wit in the oddities and contradictions of growing old.
10. “Old Man’s Advice to Youth” by John McCrae
In this poem, John McCrae uses humor to offer advice to young people about the inevitability of aging. The old man’s playful tone suggests that while aging may be unavoidable, it doesn’t need to be feared.
“Don’t worry when you grow old,
There’s always something to be said.”
McCrae’s advice is both humorous and wise. His jovial tone encourages the reader to embrace the changes that come with age rather than fear them. The humor lies in the way the old man’s words seem deceptively simple, but they carry deep wisdom about the process of growing older. The poem suggests that aging can be just as fun and rewarding as youth, if not more so.
11. “The Old Man” by W.B. Yeats
W.B. Yeats, often associated with the tragic side of aging, also offers a humorous portrayal of old age. “The Old Man” speaks about the internal youthfulness that remains even as the body grows frail.
“I would be a beggar, and I would go to town,
But I keep my hands in my pockets.”
In this poem, Yeats combines the reality of aging with the humor of how old men may maintain their pride and independence despite their declining health. His humor comes from the absurdity of trying to maintain control when so much is slipping away.
12. “The Golden Years” by Ogden Nash
Ogden Nash, known for his whimsical poems, addresses aging with his signature humor in “The Golden Years.” The poem humorously critiques the romanticized idea of old age.
“Old age is like everything else.
To make a success of it, you’ve got to start young.”
Nash’s humorous take on aging critiques the notion of the “golden years” by highlighting how, in reality, aging can be full of challenges. The poem’s humor arises from its sarcastic tone, revealing that old age isn’t always as golden as people make it out to be.
13. “The Old Man in the Moon” by Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein’s “The Old Man in the Moon” is a lighthearted poem that brings a fun, almost childlike perspective to aging, showing that the elderly can still have a playful spirit.
“The old man in the moon looked down and grinned,
He said, ‘I’m tired of the same old spin!'”
Silverstein uses humor to illustrate the creativity and joy that can still exist in old age. The old man, despite being old, is portrayed as mischievous and full of energy. The humor lies in Silverstein’s portrayal of age as something that doesn’t have to be dull or staid.
14. “Old Man on the Mountain” by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, known for his storytelling prowess, weaves humor into his poem about an old man reflecting on his life. The man’s witty observations offer a humorous take on the passage of time.
“I have climbed the mountain, now I sit,
The mountain’s there, but I’m not it.“
Kipling humorously reflects on the idea that age brings clarity. The old man may not be able to climb the mountain anymore, but he has achieved wisdom in his understanding of what it means to live. The humor comes from the old man’s self-awareness and acceptance of the changes that come with age.
Conclusion
These fourteen poems showcase the humor and wit that poets have used throughout history to approach the topic of aging. From the light-hearted, rebellious attitude in Jenny Joseph’s work to the more reflective humor found in Kipling and Yeats, these poems remind us that old age can be funny, playful, and full of unexpected joy. Humor offers a lens through which to view the aging process, one that helps us laugh, reflect, and ultimately, embrace the passage of time with grace. Through these humorous poems, we are reminded that aging, while inevitable, is not without its charm, and we can all find a bit of lightness in the later years of life.
