A Reversal

by Robert Graves (1923) — a poem card from Justes Mots

A meditation on old age and generational power dynamics, using classical references (Achilles, Ulysses, Ajax, Nestor, Helen) to explore how elderly vitality challenges youth's traditional supremacy. Graves suggests that while the aged may borrow physical prowess, youth reclaims authority through vitality, creating a cyclical reversal of wisdom and vigor. The poem explores the tension between accumulated experience and natural decline.

The old man in his fast car
Leaves Achilles lagging,
The old man with his long gun
Outshoots Ulysses’ bow,
Nestor in his botched old age
Rivals Ajax bragging,
To Nestor’s honeyed courtship
Could Helen say “No”?…

Themes: encouragement · graduation · new-chapter · recovery