Middle age is often described as a time when people reflect on the passing of years, examine their achievements, and wrestle with the concept of time itself. But, amidst the serious reflections, humor can be a powerful tool to cope with the inevitable changes and challenges that come with growing older. Poets, particularly those with a sharp sense of humor, have a unique way of portraying middle age in a lighthearted yet insightful manner.
In this article, we explore 14 funny poems about middle age. These poems combine wit, irony, and a deep understanding of the trials and tribulations that middle age brings. From humorous takes on physical changes to hilarious insights into aging, these poems will resonate with anyone navigating the joys and struggles of middle life.
14 Funny Poems About Middle Age You May Be Interested In
1. “Warning” by Jenny Joseph
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
Jenny Joseph’s iconic poem Warning humorously discusses the freedom and rebellion that come with aging. In her work, she imagines a future where she can fully embrace unconventional behavior without the societal expectations of youth. The poem touches on the desire for liberation, a recurring theme for those entering middle age. The choice to wear purple, buy brandy, and live with abandon symbolizes a defiance against the rules, turning middle age into a time for playful, unapologetic self-expression.
This poem is funny not only because of its eccentricity but because it invites readers to imagine the possibility of embracing old age without concern for others’ judgments. The speaker’s emphasis on whimsy over convention serves as an act of self-empowerment and liberation, which can be particularly attractive as one contemplates the responsibilities of middle age.
2. “The Middle-Aged Man” by Henry Taylor
It is the time of life when wisdom’s won,
But the body’s past its prime,
Still, some say it’s a time to shine —
For those who know how to rhyme.
Henry Taylor’s poem, The Middle-Aged Man, takes a humorous jab at the physical deterioration that often accompanies middle age. The poet addresses the paradox of having accumulated wisdom over the years, while simultaneously losing the youthful vitality that once defined him.
This poem offers humor in recognizing the “two lives” of a middle-aged person—the accumulation of knowledge and life experience, paired with the decline of physical abilities. The rhyme, which contrasts the two, serves as a subtle commentary on how we might approach aging—gracefully, but with a wink and a nod to the inevitable changes.
3. “A Poem for My 40th Birthday” by Wendy Cope
I woke up this morning
And nothing seemed the same.
I thought I had more years to go
But now I’m feeling old.
Wendy Cope’s A Poem for My 40th Birthday captures the bittersweet realization that middle age is here, blending self-deprecating humor with the reality of turning 40. She conveys the comedic absurdity of feeling unprepared for the milestone, even though it’s just a number.
Cope’s use of humor to address aging provides a lighthearted reflection on the inevitability of time. By presenting the speaker’s surprise at aging, Cope taps into a shared experience of facing the middle years with some reluctance, though still with a sense of humor. It is a reminder that age is relative and often less impactful when we learn to laugh at it.
4. “Old Age” by P.K. Page
How wise the old, I think,
For they do not bother with young dreams
Or vain ideas of how to be
A thing of perfection.
P.K. Page’s Old Age is a humorous meditation on the wisdom that comes with getting older. The poem lightly critiques the youthful pursuit of perfection, suggesting that old age brings a freedom from those aspirations. Instead, the elderly enjoy a more authentic form of wisdom that embraces imperfection.
The poem gently mocks the obsession with youth, suggesting that middle age, in particular, offers the advantage of knowing better. The speaker is more at peace with herself, and while the poem may seem somewhat critical of the youthful obsession with idealism, it also offers a humorous rejoinder to society’s constant pressure for physical and emotional perfection.
5. “Middle Age” by Randall Jarrell
It is the time when you get older and learn
How to look at people and not say a word,
But the moment you do,
They think you’re judging them.
Randall Jarrell’s poem Middle Age humorously explores the social shift that occurs as we age. Middle age brings the realization that we may now be perceived differently by others—often judged as grumpy or condescending when that is not the intention at all.
The humor in this poem lies in the paradox that middle-aged people become more observant and discerning, yet others interpret their expressions and silences in negative ways. This provides an insight into how our outward behaviors are read differently as we age, often leading to amusing misunderstandings.
6. “The Art of Growing Old” by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
The art of growing old is simply to be
Like the dog who has never learned to lie
With a memory of the joy of things
But content to lie by the fire and dream.
Lautrec’s The Art of Growing Old is a playful meditation on the art of aging gracefully, celebrating the joys of simply existing and enjoying the comforts of life in middle age. The poem’s humor lies in its depiction of a dog—often associated with loyalty and simple pleasures—who has mastered the art of living in the moment.
This poem suggests that middle age offers a type of peace that comes from slowing down and accepting life as it is. The humor comes from comparing the speaker to a dog, whose life consists of contentment and tranquility, inviting middle-aged readers to embrace the simplicity of aging.
7. “On Turning 50” by Jenny Joseph
I think I shall be sixty,
Or maybe seventy,
And in that time, there’ll be more
To look forward to than we see.
In this light-hearted poem, Jenny Joseph humorously addresses the challenges of turning fifty. She contemplates the future with a playful optimism, suggesting that as she ages, there will be even more to look forward to, despite the visible signs of aging.
The poem’s wit comes from its refusal to wallow in the typical mid-life crisis that many fear at fifty. Instead, Joseph highlights the potential for joy and anticipation that comes with each year, making the aging process feel less intimidating and more like a continual adventure.
8. “I’m Not Old, I’m 25 Plus Tax”
I’m not old, I’m 25 plus tax,
So don’t remind me that I’ve crossed the line,
I’m just a vintage model,
In my prime.
This funny poem reflects the humorous defiance often found in middle age. The speaker refuses to accept the inevitable passage of time, insisting on being “25 plus tax.” The tax, in this case, represents the extra burden of aging but is wrapped in a witty, self-assured deflection.
The humor in this poem lies in the clever comparison between aging and paying taxes—something many of us wish we could avoid. The poem’s charm comes from its playful resistance to aging, offering a humorous but ultimately endearing look at how we can cope with the years that pile up.
9. “You Know You’re in Middle Age When…” by Dave Barry
You know you’re in middle age when
Your back goes out more than you do.
When your best friends are people who have
The same physical problems you do.
Dave Barry’s satirical You Know You’re in Middle Age When… lists the common ailments and adjustments that middle-aged individuals face. From back problems to new friendships based on shared health issues, Barry’s humor shines through the universal truths he exposes.
Barry’s humor lies in the universal experiences of physical decline and social shifts that come with aging. The poem is amusing because it exposes what we often try to deny—the humor in aging and its physical and social implications.
10. “Growing Old” by Rainer Maria Rilke
You are not old when you can no longer
Run through the fields or ride horses,
But when you no longer laugh at yourself.
Rainer Maria Rilke’s Growing Old challenges the conventional idea of what it means to age. He asserts that growing old is not defined by physical abilities but by one’s ability to maintain a sense of humor and not take oneself too seriously.
This poem is humorous in its insistence that the true test of aging is maintaining one’s sense of humor. The poem suggests that as long as we can laugh at ourselves, we remain young at heart. This is a freeing idea for those who find themselves aging in a world obsessed with external appearances.
11. “The Old Man and the Sea” by John Updike
The old man sits by the sea,
His wrinkles deep, his sight dimmed.
But in his heart, there’s still a youthful beat,
And his soul’s still trimmed.
John Updike’s The Old Man and the Sea blends humor with melancholy. Through the lens of an elderly man by the sea, the poem touches on both the decline of the body and the persistence of the youthful spirit.
The humor in this poem comes from the contrast between the old man’s physical decrepitude and his internal sense of youth. Updike’s playful tone captures the resilient spirit of aging, poking fun at the gap between one’s youthful mind and the aging body.
12. “You’re Only as Old as You Feel”
I’m only as old as I feel, they say,
And I feel 25 today!
But tomorrow, when the aches appear,
I’ll be 70, never fear!
This witty poem reflects the common sentiment that age is just a number, but the body doesn’t always agree. The speaker humorously shifts their age based on how they feel on any given day, a common coping mechanism for many middle-aged individuals.
The poem humorously addresses the disconnect between how we feel and how old we actually are. It pokes fun at the flexibility of age, suggesting that it is all about perspective—if only the body cooperated!
13. “Middle-Aged Woman” by Kathleen Freeman
I’m not old, just middle-aged,
And though my hair’s a little gray,
My mind is sharp, my heart still young,
Just don’t ask me to run!
Kathleen Freeman’s Middle-Aged Woman humorously reflects on the realities of being middle-aged. With her wit and self-awareness, the speaker jokes about her physical changes while asserting her mental sharpness.
The humor in this poem lies in the contrast between the speaker’s still-vibrant mind and her more reluctant body. Freeman captures the essence of middle age—a time when the mind feels younger than the body allows.
14. “The Truth About Middle Age” by Frank O’Hara
You don’t feel old at all, until you do.
And then you wonder how that came about,
But then you realize, you just keep moving,
And it’s only age catching up with you.
Frank O’Hara’s The Truth About Middle Age captures the humor of aging through a simple reflection: you don’t feel old until you do, and even then, it’s just a part of life. The poem humorously suggests that we often forget about aging until the signs become impossible to ignore.
The humor here is both existential and relatable. O’Hara’s poem laughs at the unexpectedness of aging, making readers reflect on how middle age creeps up and takes us by surprise, no matter how young we feel.
Conclusion
Middle age can be a challenging yet rewarding phase of life. Through these 14 funny poems, we see how humor can provide relief and insight, turning the challenges of aging into opportunities for self-reflection and laughter. Whether it’s confronting the physical changes, embracing new wisdom, or simply poking fun at the absurdity of life, these poems allow us to look at middle age with a smile, ready to face whatever comes next.
