When You Are Old - W. B. Yeats read by Cillian Murphy | Powerful Life Poetry

Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song. At the touch of a lover, everyone becomes a poet. - Plato
When You Are Old by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS
When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;
How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;
And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.
#poetry #love

[@johncarsone1579]

I have discovered that when you are old you are invisible.

[@allykatharvey]

😅 True but, thankfully, not to those who love us still.😍

[@ameliaramos5225]

Did ye? How is it? Sorry..

[@MindSurf248]

I'm sorry to hear you feel like that. Know that there's people here reading what you've said, trying to understand. I wish you well

[@duniacaroli5348]

It is true but I yet not sure if it positive or negative aspect of old age. When you are so long was pratogonist in every situation its actually relieve to become a bystander at once

[@bigchungus-kt4zl]

Yeats' another poem 'sailing to byzantium' talks of that.

[@ronzakrin4966]

Old guy told me once; "by the time you learn the rules of the game, you're too old to play."

[@willowtreecottage8233]

How very true!

[@susanasusana3793]

Yes

[@soose415]

❤

[@PatrickTice]

Depends on the game.

[@adamlitchfield3371]

@@PatrickTice Hungry Hungry Hippos

[@judylearn7971]

The most poignant part of aging (and I am old), is finally fully recognizing the joys of life, the adventures, the fun it holds---and having to acknowledge you have so much less time to appreciate these joys, and less strength to take on the adventures your spirit is finally awakening to. But... you still jump into the waters of life, and swim as long as you can.

[@katedennis6246]

Yes you can!

[@shemusmcshane6219]

Well said .. ❤️

[@judylearn7971]

@@katedennis6246 And I do! Jump in, that is. I do distance/endurance swimming, kayak, ride a motorcycle, and am learning to play the guitar.

[@judylearn7971]

@@shemusmcshane6219 Thank you. I am grateful for my "later in life" return to finding the fun in life I knew in my youth.

[@shemusmcshane6219]

@@judylearn7971 .. good for you .. i need to get .. but I do have a deep sense of peace .. which I am truly grateful for .. so some fun would be icing on the cake .. lol

[@lazydaisy649]

You can’t beat an Irish accent reading Yeats

[@julianwoodcock4309]

Especially if it's a darned great actor like Cillian Murphy.

[@patriciahill9948]

Too true

[@mindfullymellow2323]

@@julianwoodcock4309 - phenomenal actor like Cillian!

[@AntPDC]

...which might be a tad misleading since Yeats' family moved to London when he was two :)

[@kellydalstok8900]

You can’t beat an Irish accent.

[@bethanyjohnson5598]

When my elderly mother was in the hospital, sick and dying, she was invisible to the many people who worked on her. It made me sad because at one time she worked as a nursing supervisor there. I found and pinned her old employee badge on her hospital gown showing her youthful, beautiful face to let everyone know, "Look, I was important here once". Time erases our footprints and I wasn't ready for it to erase hers!

[@user-tn8rw1be8g]

BRAVO! The song of our life is not only sung by ourselves but is meant to be sung by family who truly love us down the generations, across friends and lovers and neighbors and coworkers until we are all singing songs of remembrance about eachother all over the world...

[@joekavanagh7171]

That's so beautiful. You are a wonderful daughter.

[@melodywalker2384]

While this is one of my favorite poems, he could read the back of a cereal box, and I’d love it.

[@user-tr7yg7zo3j]

Obsessed. CM is my crush.❤ as us Yeats.

[@Cookie54ize]

Sweetest face❤❤❤❤

[@elliemathews6884]

I have loved growing old. I worry less about pleasing people. No longer care about frivilous things. Im more secure in who I am and no longer care if other people like the real me or not. There is so much freedom in that. I care less about what is going on in the news and how the world is a morally falling apart. My world has become so much smaller and all i really care about now is family and a few close friends. My body may ne slowly falling apart. That part isnt much fun. My back hurts, my eyes are weak. I gwt around slowly but i am not in a hurry anyways. I look at you g people just atarting on their journey and think to my self thank God i am not young anymore.

[@susanheath5467]

Never were truer words spoke! ❤️

[@virginiaviola5097]

I have found that the older I get, the younger I feel. When I was young I carried the weight of the world around on my shoulders, weltzschmerz, that wonderful German word for it.. I always felt so old. Since I hit my 40’s I have been progressively feeling younger and younger. By 60 I didn’t feel a day over 18.. I’m feeling the youth I never felt when young. Add that to the blessing of having been young in the ‘60’s, ‘70’s and ‘80’s in a world that ran on music… I can time-travel whenever I want. My body bloody well knows its age, but that’s my body’s problem. Freedom, freedom is the word…and if I could go back and offer my young self any advice it would be this…just do what you want to do, and be who you want to be, don’t be afraid. Don’t be self-conscious. Don’t give a flying f*ck what your mother might say. Don’t let her criticisms run around in your head and undermine your confidence. Be brave! And never believe you are worthless.

[@denisehadfield383]

I hate this ..growing old sucks big

[@lisaschuster686]

I’m 71 and today feeling a bit trapped between my parents and my son, who will start a family now that they have a house. I just want to be alone with my husband.

[@stanleykessanis373]

And I thought I was the only one who felt like this. I run a successful small company, love going to work, play touch football twice a week, go to the gym 3 times a week, lead a creative lifestyle, pack as much as I can into 17 waking hours a day and dont really care what people might think of me, because I enjoy living this life I have chosen. I have been likened to Larry David because I tell cafes what I like and don't like about their food and service, I talk to strangers in the street, in a lift, pretty much whenever I get the chance to enjoy the company of strangers. The body aches and complains, but I carry on regardless, focusing on what the day will bring, not dwelling on the past and things I can't change. I wont die wondering and with few regrets.Time is running out so no time to waste on the small things life throws at you. Just do it. I am 71.

[@lindsaybradley300]

When my parent were in assisted living they looked like a frail old couple who needed a lot of assistance. I got some lovely black and white photos of them when they were young adults, had them enlarged and hung them on the walls of their room. It is easy to pass an old person and not think about when they were young. The staff all remarked about them and talked to us about our parents.

[@sarahronkainen8644]

I could listen to him speaking forever. One of the best voices I have ever heard.

[@waderivers99]

When we're young we chase after time. When we're old time chases after us. And towards the end we discover it is quicker.

[@GladysAlicea]

Oh, time is so much quicker, she nodded, while in her heart, she asked for 10 more good years. She promised she’d be ready to leave then, if only she got 10.

[@derekwood91]

It's not. it just seems that way because we are slower.

[@maggiecurran5806]

That’s so true. Let’s hope we’ve learnt to slow down and enjoy what we have 😊

[@theresachiorazzi4571]

You don’t know about old age till you get there and when you do it saddens you to find the truth. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@bvm3925]

Yes, I mentioned that to my friend recently, that old age is still one of the best kept secrets in life.

[@StonesAndSand]

Lo, but if I only watch the path and observe those far in the distance, I shall not be suddenly be overtaken.

[@Simpaulme]

I'm in my seventieth year. Am I there yet? Because I don't know what you're talking about 🥴

[@lauraswann5543]

Yes, you realise you wasted most of your life and energy. And now, when you know how to live, you do not have the health or energy to do so.

[@PLuMUK54]

​@@Simpaulme Totally agree.

[@nudnikjeff]

I was exposed to this poem in college. I'm 75 now. It's still one of the most beautiful things I've ever read.

[@beckyfrazee1508]

I had not heard it before ,it it so beautiful. It brought back memories of the love of my life who recognized the true depth of my being that no other man could ever appreciate.

[@seancourtney9021]

I'm your age and just hearing these wonderful words for the first time.

[@henrycarville9933]

Yes, me too at college, but I’m only 74. And yes, still beautiful - the poem, I mean.

[@solomonreal1977]

23 skiddo!! 🤔

[@vaska1999]

Of all the 20th century poets, Yeats is in a league of his own.

[@oopurpledove]

I read this comment here on KZbin somewhere, I wish I knew who I could attribute it to. But it is absolutely the truth. “We are whispers and shadows now but once we were the thunder and the flame”.

[@FreeSpiritinLove]

Yes! I love that. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@ileanaprofeanu7626]

I love this and would like to know the origin as well!

[@kashd4668]

Wow! This is really good! Love it! I was "lightening" fast when my Mum got angry with me (when I was naughty) and chuck her slippers at me!👍👍❤❤

[@penkeeling5779]

The dynamics of Cillian Murphy's voice makes this poem more compassionate and passionate than I have ever heard it.

[@serendipityshopnyc]

I could listen to him read the phone book and enjoy it.

[@sanyopoweraid1]

The background music, however, adds nothing and even takes away a little of the charm

[@fotoartiste1]

The background music was horrible, did they listen to it before releasing the work?

[@Musaaaa653]

​@@fotoartiste1I think it compliments it beautifully, agree to disagree

[@cris-1001]

yar description of it makes it awl tha better far me. thank ya

[@sineadgrier2182]

Come away , O human child! To the waters and the wild With a faery, hand in hand, For the world's more full of weeping than you can understand W. B. Yeats' The Stolen Child"

[@dustyrelic25]

Beautiful.

[@petercrane2560]

and also 'He wishes for the cloths of heaven' beautiful poetry from William Butler Yeats..me mrs fave poet!!

[@ls-l1518]

You are exactly the same inside. The sense if being oneself is the same. It's just the outer shell that has changed.

[@EveHoward631]

Old age is reprehensible AND no one but no one prepares you for what to expect! Indeed in many instances you feel invisible! In other instances you are treated as though you have half a brain! BUT you never ever relinquish your inner power ❣️ God bless

[@kashd4668]

Tru Dat! (Sorry, that's me trying to sound young!)

[@EveHoward631]

😅🤣😅 ❤️

[@malenurse51]

One of his most sublime poems. And Irish to the marrow.

[@EagleBeagle4886]

Irish on the morrow And after that And yesterday

[@Siskos-pn7nd]

It's a blessing to reach old age, a blessing denied to those who die young. My experiences along the path of aging, have made me a better person. I am better, more understanding, hopefully less judgemental, and more loving. I also feel I have much to say to make our world better, through my songs, my writings, but no one really wants to listen to the rants of an old man. I was the same as a young man, when I thought I knew it all.

[@Dishibee]

Your words deeply resonate with me. It's inspiring to hear about your journey and the wisdom you've gained along the way. Your experiences are a valuable source of insight, and your desire to make the world better through your creativity is commendable. Please know that your thoughts are heard and appreciated. You are not alone in this community, and your perspective is valued here.

[@Featherfinder]

I’d love to hear your thoughts. I’m sure that many, many would. How hideous is our culture that so many wonderful people feel (understandably) as you do!

[@annettefournier9655]

Very poignant. Your songs and writings must be expressive.

[@IvonnVelsko]

Your words are impactful, they mirror the beauty of your mind and soul.

[@dawnwildman5668]

Japan has a national holiday to celebrate the elders in society. Indigenous Indians of North America celebrate and revere their elderly. We as Americans don't do this enough. I appreciate and love all elders...you are the hidden gem not to be ignored but to be revered!! God bless you!

[@dianadamann4661]

Not in America! I am invisible like a ghost. Cashiers overlook me. If I should go into a fast food eatery, my order is only taken after everyone has been served. The last time I went into a used clothing store, the clerk pointed out that they had a “few” items for elderly women. She then showed me the ugliest clothes in the store. My grandchildren, now teens, would rather be anywhere but my place. I do not own a car and can't afford one yet I receive very few offers to take me grocery shopping or to see my doctor. Probably payback as my beloved grandmother who nursed me through a year of bed rest when I had Rheumatic fever was all but ignored when I became a teenager. The guilt will always be with me.

[@Featherfinder]

@@dianadamann4661 I’m so sorry, Diana. I really do hear you. Do you, by any chance, live in Connecticut? PS: God bless you for appreciating your grandmother. Your grandchildren sound mixed up --like virtually all of their peers. But don’t completely give up on them as they’re surely victims of poor upbringing and media/school brainwashing. I was too, before I was eventually dragged out of my own stupor.

[@johokeen1]

​@@dianadamann4661... I feel your regret and share your sense of rejections. But please don't despair, for so long as you love yourself, you are worthy... truly, you are. I thank you for your comment Diana, it made me think 🤔. And appreciate what I have here and now, in the autumn days of my life. Keep smiling, be safe and well. 💐💝🇬🇧

[@charlesmedina4056]

When you get old you find the person you were always ment to be....David Bowie

[@thunderousapplause]

He didnt get old. V sad.

[@johnclarksr3423]

"When I was young my wings were strong and tireless, But I did not know the mountains. In age I knew the mountains, But my weary wings could not follow my vision. Genius is wisdom in youth." - Edgar Lee Masters.

[@RachelIn179]

Cillian's recitation is utter beauty

[@mmcs4973]

The first time I read this as a 15 year-old, I felt very emotional. More than 50 years later I understand why. A beautiful read by Cillian ❤

[@bliss9745]

Another Irish poet, Oscar Wilde, famously wrote: The tragedy of ageing is not that we grow old, it is that we do not grow old.

[@solarnaut]

... and : ~ Why is youth wasted on the young ? ~ B-)

[@Luv2Boogie]

You got the quote incorrect.. The tragedy of growing old is not that one is old but that one is young.

[@MrFrampo56]

@@solarnaut Incorrect. It’s “ Youth ; wasted on the young !”

[@PanglossDr]

It shocks be how abysmally lazy so many people are on the Internet. They are so f***ing lazy they don't even bother to use Google to check their quotations are correct.

[@deeelliott1574]

Yeah don’t mess with the great Oscar’s words. Makes you look stupid 🇮🇪🇬🇧

[@iclaudius9954]

Sweet memory is great to have but in old age, comfort and happiness matter more than love.

[@PLuMUK54]

I keep wondering when old begins. I'm 70 next year and don't yet feel it. Physically, I have issues, but mentality I'm still 27 (with the sense of humour of a 13 year old). My uncle died in his late 80s. During his final couple of weeks he was in hospital. He kept complaining to the nurses about all of the old men around him. Eventually, the nurses checked and the oldest of the "old" men were over 25 years younger than my uncle. Right up to the end he had a young outlook. I took my friend with me to the hospital, and he was amazed by my uncle. He is still my role model.

[@tonyantoniadis8767]

I can relate to what you wrote. I am 70 and still feel young at heart. Luckily I Am in good health and still working FT in a long career that I still love. Your Uncle sounds super cool and you were lucky to have him in your life.

[@rxw5520]

Do farts stay funny? I really hope farts stay funny.

[@jasondoust4935]

Yes, and they still smell, so that when you lose your hearing, you can still enjoy them.

[@malissahyatt2425]

I'm 56. I'm still early twenties. I listened to rock. Can't stand easy listening. In a room of people around my age or older, I still feel like the kid in the room. So when does the switch happen??? I'm gonna hide in my covers that day and sleep. Then I'll be young forever.😊

[@patriciafry8634]

About age 75…

[@ainemcgowan4495]

I love WB Yeats and I love Cillian, how blessed we are here in Ireland.... Cillian read and spoke Mr Yeats poem and made it more beautiful.... How is that even possible ❤

[@EagleBeagle4886]

He Yeated words before yeated was a word.

[@Sunny25611]

Agreed ❤

[@patois12]

Because of the Irish soul.

[@EagleBeagle4886]

@@patois12 I've memorized this one along with sailing to Byzantium. Can't decide which is my favorite Fun fact: the opening line is the title of Cormac McCarthy's novel No Country For Old Men

[@TonyT3]

Going through life I would always look at people much older then me & selfishly think to myself, I'm glad I'm not that old. One wonders how many people look at me now & think as I did. What doesn't matter is weather you have the means or not to do whatever you want & you no longer feel the need to. You live your life amoung friends & family. The longer you live family & friends keep decreasing & your memories become more important. You can feel happy about the things you done right & try not to think about things you wish you could do over. You wonder about people in your past that were once close to you. Will you ever see them again in this life or possibly in the next? One surprise to me is how many people are nice to me & I'm not sure if its my age or my mellowness. Maybe both.

[@bluemoon472]

Some works of art are gorgeous but fleeting, some stay within your heart & soul forever. This is one of them.

[@peace-yv4qd]

The hardest thing about growing old are all the missed opportunities at love.

[@youneedonlyknowthenameofgo7786]

Lol no. The hardest part of growing old is death approaching: The body and the mind slowing decaying, breaking apart untill the time comes when death robs you of everything you have, and everyone. And, almost immediately, everyone forgets you. All that is left in this world an idea, memories, a concept, of the person that you were. And no matter your acheivements, sooner or later, everyone will forget even this. Everyone will forget you.

[@omarshaaban907]

Look at how quick the Lakers moved past Kobe Bryant

[@timothymunslow2973]

I agree with you totally. I sadly had to end an affair with a beautiful, but a much younger woman. She is 42 years old with three children one of who is six years old! an I fearing my age, I am 68 years old, would .... quickly be a hindrance, here I can say that I have missed an opportunity for love and that saddens me today greatly.

[@normadom3715]

Love is but one facet and content among many others in the book of life.

[@andrewmair7371]

I beg to differ… 🤔😐😊🤷🏻

[@PanglossDr]

I have finally worked out what I want to be when I'm old, young.

[@johokeen1]

❤ well said, 👏👏👏😀

[@garnetstewart3461]

will you ever tire of youth?

[@kashd4668]

And rich! And probably handsome!😊😊

[@PanglossDr]

@@kashd4668 Younger would do.

[@kashd4668]

@@PanglossDr Yes! Others not necessary, but nice to have!

[@graziemille2454]

I have medically worked with older patients for my career. Now that I am in that age group, I wish I had paid more attention to the lessons they shared. I don’t know what happened…seems that I was 35 years old last week…where does the time go…

[@bettyboop3353]

It absolutely amazes me to see that my youngest son is 48 now. My daughter is 56. She will be ready for retirement soon. Where did the time go for real is a mystery. I see my son as a beautiful young man keeping me on my toes just yesterday. I don’t like being old.

[@chris-non-voter]

I found that leading up to and arriving at 67 years age is one thing and growing old is another. I cycle, hike, and enjoy all the things I have always done except I dont have to bath, feed or change my children's nappies just watch them mature into adults. I have more time and more freedom to as I please and thank god I have good health to enjoy this stage of my life.

[@carolineallshorn291]

My Mum gave this poem to me, because she loved me, and she loved my Dad, her husband Donald, and she loved the world...

[@jenniferbailey5914]

For me the best part of growing old is to not sweat the small stuff. Live for yourself and not for others.

[@ronwade2206]

I remember my Brother's funeral and just 14 months Later Mom's, there had been several before those. I was a young man then; last October I lost my best friend. Now, I'm not young any more, not really old either but I remember a lot of people at all these funerals saying, I have so many good friends and family on the other side now I don't fear death. I understand now.

[@theguttersparrow9401]

Beautiful ... absolutely beautiful :) to age is one thing, to become old is quite another.

[@SARbeaver1]

In my lectures I used to use this poem as an example of good resonance in poetry. "How many have loved your moments of glad grace?"

[@thunderousapplause]

I have. ❤

[@Aine24601]

Oh Cillian you made me cry. Im 65 ......age is so strange...you become invisible...utterly invisible.. but also care not a jot about what people think..😅...but its scary too...not enough time left to do the things you want to do, because theres SO many things still left to do. Then i see the young uns who are taken too soon and realise how lucky i am to have got this far....and intend to live every momeng well and be happy... Beautiful

[@sherylbjerre9636]

I may be 72 but OMG Cillian Murphy is tantializing to look at & to hear!

[@henryworthington8261]

The poem speaks of God. We are loved.

[@mildredwilliams8107]

All of these comments I have read appears as poetry to me. They are so relatable and that's beautiful.💕💕🌹

[@Einstein852]

Beautiful poem and beautifully read ❤

[@upgradeyourmindset1105]

Thanks for listening

[@paulinepress3024]

I read this poem at my mums funeral my dad adored her and he had already passed so it was left to me.

[@kiddozoo]

By having as many birthdays as it takes to be "old", I'm grateful/blessed with the past but only look forward.

[@Nina-vs2qt]

The fortunate are those that are, or were, loved, exactly as they are.

[@cathyleatherman3097]

My goodness … let’s enjoy each day !

[@patriciahankel911]

My dad always told me ….don’t 😢 get old…you’re not gonna like it.

[@reinadegrillos]

Aprendí este poema cuando era una niña de 14 años, en inglés. Y tengo 73 y todavía me acuerdo. Hermoso poema.

[@yasmina7548]

Stunning recitation. Best I’ve ever heard. Bravo 👏

[@maifolau6996]

Agreed

[@rosemacgregor2056]

Perfect voice for Yeats poetry so pleased to have found this .☘🍀

[@FreeSpiritinLove]

I think I gained more from the comments than from the poem. How did we get here? If I don’t look in the mirror I think that I am still young. I can’t feel sad but I do regret allowing the years to go by so quickly. Thank you all for your touching comments. ❤

[@charlesheck6812]

💯 🌹❤️🌹

[@shirleydale2699]

Can’t tell you how many times I have listened to this beautiful rendering, I now sit and think Cillian is reciting it just for me, truly heavenly.

[@adriansherlockdamondark.1094]

Mr Murphy has a delightful lilt in his speaking voice.

[@lineaalba4035]

When I was in my early twenties, an older woman told me, “Somewhere after the age of forty, you be come invisible to men.” She said, “the only men who see you are in their sixties or older looking to marry someone to take care of them in old age.” I’m in my early forties now, and while I can’t speak to the latter, the former seems to be true, and all I have to say is THANK GOD ! I am more then fine to return to a state where my sexuality is no longer noticed by men.

[@joannleichliter4308]

Not too many years ago (I guess I was 74), I gave a big hug to a young guy I hadn't seen for a year or more. "The nice thing about getting old," I told him, "is that you can hug young men and no one thinks anything of it." Laughing, too, he said, "You can hug me any time you want to." Truly, it's not all bad.

[@debrajorgensen2730]

Oh yes, I was too for many, many years and then last year at the age of 68 I met a man who lit me up like a forest fire. I became instantly youthful again and experienced my sexuality for the first time in decades ……..only to eventually be told that he couldn’t be with a woman of my age ( he was 59 but looked 45)! I’ll never forget him. I felt like a young girl again for a few months and he made me laugh till I cried. He was the most amazing man I have ever met in my entire life…….and he arrived in my 68th year when I had not been attracted (or attractive) to men for decades…….life is full of surprises. Never say never and try to keep your femininity for as long as you can because you never know…….you might need it some day 🥹🩵🙏🏽

[@lineaalba4035]

@@debrajorgensen2730 Is this man still in your life today, maybe as a friend ? I can understand how an experience like yours can be positive for both parties involved. And yes keeping your femininity is important, it’s that part about, “for as long as you can” , that’s got me thinking 🤔

[@debrajorgensen2730]

@@lineaalba4035 No he isn’t. It was a very powerful connection and frightened us both to the core. He was a very base vibration and I am the opposite. I couldn’t accept the way he was and he couldn’t accept my aged body. So in the end we parted. But……I wouldn’t have missed the experience for the world. He was an incredible person. It was difficult to let him go but I had to. But what a powerful experience. The gifts he brought were courage and humour. This was my takeaway 🥰

[@TheHeydzo]

As Irish would say: Ahhh, Jesus, bless you, man. The accident, the emotion, the actor you are, all woven softly to deliver true Yeates words as constructed in the authors mind.

[@Einstein852]

His voice is mesmerising. ❤

[@yvonnejohnson1004]

I am now 79, I’ve had a lifetime of ill health and pain. I’m now bedridden, use a wheelbarrow and I can’t walk, bend my knee and I have foot drop. I yearn for the yesterdays, dread the todays and I fear the tomorrows.

[@charlesrobert6211]

The Bible declares the many problems of getting old, but Jesus promises HIs followers a new body that will never grow old or know pain. Time for all us seniors to check where our next zip code is going to be.

[@sylvia8287]

Absolutely beautiful poem .. made me really miss my mom today .. she passed a year ago … and Cillian Murphy read it so soulfully… of course he did the amazing actor he is !!!

[@Featherfinder]

I’m very sorry for your loss. I miss my mother sooo much, too. Sending you love from Colchester, CT, USA ♥

[@virginiaviola5097]

When you are old..when I was young I felt like I was 1000 years old, now I am old I don’t feel a minute over 22. My body sure does, but I don’t. It seems the older I get, the younger I feel…with a whole lot of living, loving, experience, memories and a light-heartedness from time to time, a true joy that youth never offered. I can also just be myself without worrying about what other people might think of me. That’s a real freedom.

[@BlueMoonInspiration]

Well said.

[@kforest2745]

I’m already old and I’m glad I’m old I’d never want to be young again it’s good to become tired of that life

[@jeremywickwire565]

Sex 5 or 6 times a day was nice though

[@bwaldron8449]

I smile more the older I get..the secret of having a wonderful lovely experience of being on this incredible planet

[@sylviacarlson3561]

I love his Irish accent. So perfect for this reading of a lovely poem.

[@gloryahb117]

His voice is so perfect for this poem.

[@BlueMoonInspiration]

Agreed

[@mysticalmisty9772]

I don’t have words, I just have respect ……

[@dkmcleod100]

lovely stuff, and true enough..,.When I first read TS Eliot's comment on the same subject, "I grow old, I grow old/I shall wear my trousers rolled.." as a teenager, I thought it was just a throwaway line about an earlier fad in fashion. Only much later did it occur to me that he was talking about physically shrinking with age...

[@Nina-vs2qt]

Too bad our modern clothing doesn't last that long -to wear from youth to the shrinking of age.

[@ninafedenczuk2666]

Being old is being you. You don’t think yourself old. You just are ❤️

[@aaisays]

When you are old and grey and full of sleep, And nodding by the fire, take down this book, And slowly read, and dream of the soft look Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep; How many loved your moments of glad grace, And loved your beauty with love false or true, But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you, And loved the sorrows of your changing face; And bending down beside the glowing bars, Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled And paced upon the mountains overhead And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.

[@elizabethannegrey6285]

One my Irish father’s favourites. ❤️

[@marionmcshea4686]

I so love Cillian Murphy. So beautifully read!!♥️

[@upgradeyourmindset1105]

It really is!

[@Tipperary757]

We all need to find our own joy. Do the things you never had time to do when busy working. Reach out to people. Find an adventure - intellectual, love, travel, seeing things around you anew. Really seeing. That is free, attitude is everything. I got a puppy, so energizing. I walk a beautiful park every day, cost-free. Imagination boundless.

[@normang663]

Im only 39, but have been listening to lots of wisdoms about growing old, and put some of them into practice. It is hard because those around me, particularly my wife, doesnt understand them. My close friends too. But I just have to do these things in order for me to embrace my old days when it comes.

[@TooStinkinFine]

That voice…….. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@squangan]

When I am old I am going to think of how relatively young my father was when he died, and how old I thought he was back then. You can never imagine the way the passage of time is going to change your perspective on life.

[@adriennebrown3778]

So beautifully read by Cillian

[@tom-kz9pb]

When you are 30, trying to remember back 30 years earlier, to the day that you were born, your memory fades into a haze and is lost. When you are 60, you can remember things from 30 years earlier, just fine. You can put your hands around 30 years, feel the full extent of it, and know how short it really is. Then you realize too that you would be lucky to have another 30 years left. 60 years old, that was a decade ago. Sometimes I think that if we all live for only a 100 years or so as an optimistic number, that is really quite tiny in the grand scheme, that we all live in vain. But as a gardener, would you agree with the complaint of a rose who said that the garden was no good, because the rose would wilt before the year's end, and not be part of next year's garden?

[@bjbrown6884]

Ah but a rose is a flower designed to express it's beauty for only a day. It's the plant, the grounded plant, that bring forth the flower to be enjoyed!

[@Nnamdi101]

Beautiful words here Tom

[@bevhart4604]

Funny you picked 100, that’s what my mom’s goal was. She made it to 93. I wish I was more in tuned to her wisdom while she was here.

[@solarnaut]

Ever in denial, I would tell Rose : " -Pedal- 'Pettle' Harder ! ! ! " B-)

[@fianorian]

You have a beautiful turn of phrase. I love the image of putting my hands around 30 years and feeling the full extent.

[@ChristineFisher123]

I turn sixty-two in September, but old before my time as my body is already badly failing. But yes, I can relate to the words of this beautiful poem. I love poetry and I think Yeats is one of our greatest poets. Thanks for uploading. 👍

[@tomfreer6759]

Happy Birthday! I am also turning 62 in September. Beautiful poem

[@Austin8thGenTexan]

Am still trying to wrap my head around turning 65 this past March. It's something to be embraced - despite how most of our society treats senior status. Oddly enough, I'm watching a lot of video from Japan - about how old people live and thrive there. Rigorous gardening, what they consume, how they deliberately socialize with each other and living independently for as long as they can. It's a lot different than Texas, but rings very true for me...

[@ChristineFisher123]

@@tomfreer6759 My birthday is today....the 6th. Sept. It would be funny if yours was on the same day. Anyway..happy Birthday to you too.🎂

[@ChristineFisher123]

@@Austin8thGenTexan The Japanese are long lived. I am sure it is large part to do with their diet. Sixty five doesnt seem so far off nowadays Don't want to think about it. 😀☺

[@joannleichliter4308]

There was no English language poet in the 20th Century who even came close to equaling Yeats' work.

[@BirthjoyEducation]

Thank you lovely Cillian Murphy and Sweet Brother of my Heart William Yeats.

[@wolfie854]

Nice that Yeats was inspired by the first two lines of Pierre de Ronsard's poem: "Quand vous serez bien vieille, au soir, à la chandelle, Assise auprès du feu, dévidant et filant," and then Yeats goes on to make it his own poem. The Ronsard one ends: "Cueillez dès aujourd’hui les roses de la vie." Which roughly translates as 'Gather ye rosebuds while ye may'. Beautiful rendition by Cillian.

[@BlueMoonInspiration]

Exactly

[@sohinisen3042]

Soul stirring poem... Beautifully recited by Cillian in his gentle Irish accent.♥️

[@shaun5944]

Beautifully read. Beautiful poem. As I've grown older I've realised it's better to give than to receive. 👍♥️✝️🙏🇬🇧

[@carolannbassett6646]

I first read this poem when I was 18. It's one of my favorites of all time.

[@Sheepdog1314]

As I got older I started to no longer care what people thought of me. How much time I wasted in my younger years worrying about optics. Now, I am free.

[@titamahoney3696]

Very beautifully done by Cillian Murphy

[@pancho3495]

I think I’ve listened to this at least 20 times. Absolutely beautiful.

[@TheLRider]

I am so so lucky to have been born in 1946 and lived such a lucky life through the explosion of creativity that the 1960s brought and into the 70s and 80s. I look back at so many exceptional talents both musically and literary. I was brought up to appreciate both by my wonderful Mother who left school at 14. Was self taught to become a poet and author and a singer. Such riches amongst working class people and such pride and such a desire to leave this world in a better place than it was when they were born. They lived through both WWI and II and gave us such huge opportunities and support. Then we've gone and screwed up our one and only beautiful planet; that is our legacy to our children and our children's children. That's what growing old means to me. Utter and absolute dispair that we've become so self centred and obsessive consumers, and to just look at what we've become and what we've done. Utter shame on us.

[@teresa5007]

Touché! 100%.

[@lydialanata8714]

So glad I can look at life in a different & more grateful manner! The lessons I learned these many years have Def made me older & wiser. 😊

[@GurmitBSingh]

To accept we must and move on with peace of mind !

[@elysedewyngaert178]

Cillian your voice is a joy to listen to.

[@BlueMoonInspiration]

Agreed

[@erichodge567]

I recall reading this in my early twenties. Its effect was immediate, and has been one of my most loved poems ever since.

[@lizfuller400]

I don't feel old but resent people treating me like I am. 76 is not old when you consider people living well into 90s.

[@peternicholsonu6090]

Aye. I too am 76. I have so much yet to do I must live on to do them. So many I once lived with are gone and would love to be in my place now. I found this Mr.Murphy only recently and am captivated by his voice and his acting. Life is too much a treasure to waste by complaining which alienates us from others. Let us enjoy this blessed life and allow others to remember us fondly.

[@joekavanagh7171]

As Einstein said, it's all relative. If you're 70, to a 9-year-old you're ancient, but to a 90-year-old you're just a kid.

[@lifemusic1980]

Love this. He should be a narrator for novels.

[@jamesbarryobrien3514]

Yeats is our best poet by far and Jack his brother is our best painter. This is what the name Yeats has done for lreland ,and we love them both

[@kalliyoga]

I am in this blood both Irish and Welsh. Always it is a great pleasure to read The great poets and songsters. And know that when you feel this depth of feeling, well, you have made the poem your own. And you and the poet are forevermore dancing together beyond time and space.

[@joekavanagh7171]

Patrick Kavanagh?

[@jamesbarryobrien3514]

@@joekavanagh7171 Not too bad .

[@eileennielsen5165]

Beautiful reading, thank you! Yes, you are invisible when you are old. Irish people have the soul of a poet. I know...

[@EyeLean5280]

Would also like a simpler version of this, just Murphy reciting. No mood music, no sentimental visuals. Just. The. Words.

[@drsaumyasingh4941]

Lovely poem. Great background music and such a calming voice. Thank you

[@ddhqj2023]

I think listening to Cillian read this has inspired a new appreciation of poetry. A master of the spoken word! I've listened to it at least a dozen different times and I still love it. Tonight is #13!

[@OldUncleMike]

Being old sucks but it beats the alternative.

[@joannleichliter4308]

Yep. 👍

[@charlesheck6812]

😊

[@gpmac-rq4lt]

He could read to me forever...his whispers sound like heaven...

[@thomasshepard6030]

I read this poem in front of my class at school 53 years ago and this is the first time I’ve heard it since and mr Murphy was absolutely haunting reading it