# Being Old explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Langston Hughes.

## What happens

The poem contrasts the restless ambition of youth with the quiet wisdom of age, suggesting that the elderly possess a deeper understanding of life's joys and the futility of material pursuits, having witnessed the rise and fall of great works like Solomon's temple.

## Themes in this chapter

### Urban Life and Alienation

The poem contrasts the building of skyscrapers with the elderly's detached observation, highlighting alienation from modern progress.

### Resilience and Joy

Despite age and loss, the elderly affirm their knowledge of the 'joy of living' and the 'uselessness of things.'

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker, representing the collective voice of the elderly, addresses a younger listener.

## Key lines

> Build another skyscraper Touching the stars. We sit with our backs against a tree And watch skyscrapers tumble And stars forget.

You may strive to build grand things that reach the heavens, but we, in our old age, rest calmly and witness all such monuments fall and even the stars fade from memory.

_Contrasts youthful ambition with the serene, knowing perspective of age._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se/chapters/being-old
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se/chapters