Summary

The poem "Too Cold" reflects on the inevitability of aging and mortality, expressing a wistful regret for the fleeting nature of youth and the choices made along the way.

Abstract

The poem delves into the speaker's introspection about the passage of time, as they confront the realities of growing old. It portrays a journey through life's decisions and the relentless approach of fate. The speaker reflects on the lies told in youth, the roads not taken, and the friends who have passed away, acknowledging that youth's follies and joys are irretrievable. The poem suggests that the speaker feels they should have savored life's moments more fully, as they now face the twilight of their life with the realization that their legacy may be as fleeting as the memories they hold.

Opinions

The speaker expresses a sense of regret for not appreciating their youth more and for being led blindly by youthful ignorance.
There is a recognition that the choices made in youth have shaped the speaker's life and that some of these choices, such as the lies told, now weigh heavily on them.
The poem conveys a sense of inevitability about life's journey and the speaker's fate, suggesting a resignation to the path they have walked.
The speaker seems to lament the loss of friends and the transient nature of life, as they remember the deceased and anticipate their own demise.
Despite the somber tone, there is an underlying appreciation for the simple pleasures in life, such as fishing, singing, and reading poetry, even if these activities are tinged with the knowledge that they will eventually be forgotten.
The poem reflects on the idea that one's legacy is not as important as the experiences lived, suggesting that enjoying life's moments is more valuable than seeking to be remembered.

Too Cold

The Long Dark Passing Hours

Too cold the long dark passing hours That somewhere up ahead wait for me Down a tree lined country road Round the age old bend of vanity

I don’t know what it is that leads me on To what eventually will become my fate Regretting youthful days I’m sure I should have chose to pause and wait

The ancient lies I told and spread On wrinkled skin the truth be hung Bloodshot eyes and thinning hair I should have died when I was young

Before the end does youth aspire Enjoy the follies and drink the wine Such joys will never come back to me The train pulls age fast down the line

The roads I walked so many times Different roads I could have taken The brooks and bridges crossed I was never fazed and never shaken

Blindly led as only youth can be Never thinking what the end might bring So many friends have gone ahead In cold churches we gather to sing

I saw the graves when I was young Melodies that played high in the trees For people who had sung their last song Now under the grass and autumn leaves

I will be forgotten when I am gone Blue skies and clouds will not cover me The nights black and wintering cloak A legacy no one should be called to see

When I was young, strong, and eager I wanted more time for aging to wait To live in the house my father built I remember it all but it came too late

There is still more fishing to be done Songs to be sung and poems to be read It doesn’t matter on whose ears they fall The rain has washed them from my head

Who needs a lifetime to reflect What’s done is done my father said I should have died when I was young Not written a poem but had a drink instead