Poems on Turning 70: Embracing the Wisdom of Age

As we reach the milestone of turning 70, we reflect on a lifetime of experiences, memories, and lessons learned. It is a time to celebrate the wisdom that comes with age and the journey that has brought us to this point. Poets have long captured the complexities of aging in their verse, weaving together themes of reflection, nostalgia, and gratitude. In this article, we will explore various poems on turning 70 and how they illuminate the beauty and challenges that come with reaching this significant age.

Reflections on a Life Lived

In Mary Oliver's poem "The Journey," she writes:

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting

This poignant reflection on finding one's true path later in life resonates with many individuals as they reach the age of 70. It reminds us that it is never too late to follow our dreams and make meaningful changes in our lives.

Another powerful poem on turning 70 is Maya Angelou's "On the Pulse of Morning." In this iconic verse, Angelou speaks to the resilience and strength that comes with age, urging us to embrace our true selves and stand tall in the face of challenges.

Nostalgia and Gratitude

As we reflect on the past and look towards the future, feelings of nostalgia and gratitude often come to the forefront. Billy Collins captures this sentiment perfectly in his poem "The Art of Drowning," where he writes:

I wonder if it isn't too late,
even now, to say that this all
called for a new approach to poetry.
No more exploitation of low-hanging fruit.

This poem serves as a gentle reminder to savor the beauty of life and express gratitude for the journey that has brought us to where we are today.

Celebrating Wisdom and Experience

Turning 70 is a time to celebrate the wisdom and experience that comes with age. Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet, captures this essence in his poem "The Guest House," where he writes:

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes

Rumi's poem reminds us to welcome all experiences, both light and dark, as they enrich our lives and deepen our understanding of the world around us.

To conclude, poems on turning 70 offer a profound insight into the complexities of aging and the beauty that comes with embracing this significant milestone. From reflections on a life lived to expressions of gratitude and wisdom, these poems serve as a poignant reminder of the richness that comes with growing older. As we navigate the challenges and joys of reaching 70, let us turn to poetry to find solace, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the journey that lies ahead.