A Petition

by Thomas Bailey Aldrich — a poem card from Justes Mots

A bittersweet prayer to the Muse asking not to write poetry in old age, yet paradoxically requesting delay of that inevitable loss. The poem expresses the tension between accepting aging and resisting it. It resonates with anyone contemplating mortality, creative decline, or the passage of time.

To spring belongs the violet, and the blown
Spice of the roses let the summer own.
Grant me this favor, Muse--all else withhold--
That I may not write verse when I am old.

And yet I pray you, Muse, delay the time!
Be not too ready to deny me rhyme;
And when the hour strikes, as it must, dear Muse,…

Themes: sympathy · grief · reflection