Editorial Review: “What’s It Like To Be Old?” by John Maynard

What’s It Like To Be Old? by John Maynard is a beautiful collection of poems that unflinchingly portrays the myriad experiences of growing old. 

Review

Youth is temporary. Sooner or later, we all have to let go of our youthful days. An inevitable part of a long life is getting old. However, we often tend to forget this. We tend to overlook the experiences of old people, who at one time were young just like us. 

In What’s It Like To Be Old?, John Maynard captures the myriad experiences of people growing old. Divided into six sections, What’s It Like To Be Old? consists of fifty-nine poems. Each and every poem explores the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of aging. Titled Consider Old Age, section one invites us to reflect on the process of aging. The very first poem, Oncoming, is like an introduction. It gives us an insight into Maynard’s motivation for penning this collection. I like how gives voice to the aged and aims to provide them with the comfort of knowing they are not alone through his poems. In the second poem, What’s It Like To Be Old, Maynard remembers his boyhood days when he wondered what it was like to be old. His reminiscences about his Nana touched my heart. No Reason to Ask is very relatable. It shows how easily we discount the aged in our youth, thinking it has nothing to do with us. Old People in Movies is an apt portrayal of how the world tends to see old people. 

In section two, Seniors and Senior Attitudes, we get an insight into the world of old people. In the eight poems in this section, we get to see how the aged tend to spend their days. Section three, Diversions and Escapes, is my favorite section. In the thirteen poems in this section, we step into the shoes of the aged. Keeping Up, Keeping Up, Keeping Up is my favorite poem in this book. This piece encapsulates the fast-paced nature of the world. It shows how everything keeps on changing and evolving. Like the poet, I too think that at one point it is best to take a stand against keeping up. I loved the musical references to the Beatles and Rolling Stones in this poem. Still to Live made me nostalgic. The line, “I think the truth is that our future is our past”, struck a chord with me. Considering Healthy Living gives us a reality check. It makes us question whether exercising and maintaining good lifestyle habits, with all their benefits, are even worth it in the end. 

Section four is titled Evaporating Immortality. The eight poems in this section make us realize our mortality. We realize how easily we lose our vitality and youth as the years go by. However, we keep clinging onto life. Like Maynard says in Longevity I, “We all want to live forever, Our dancing never done.” Losing Battle perfectly shows how clinging on to life and youth is “a losing Battle, but it’s fun to try to win.” 

All seven poems of Limits, section five, are very unique. A Work In Progress sheds light on the advances of modern medicine. At the same time, it shows its limitations. The frank tone of this poem made me launch into a deep reflection. Next comes Story of a Boy. This poem is raw. It unflinchingly shows how we suffer just to live a little longer. Then comes a day when we have to accept our mortality and say goodbye to this world. Compressed Morbidity has a unique format. The poem beautifully underscores the inevitability of the end. Though grim in tone, Mortal Muffins and Alzheimer’s Happy New Year made me smile somehow. This is a testament to the poet’s masterful writing style.

The last section of the book is titled Ripeness. The eighteen poems in this section are heart-touching. They expertly portray the feelings and emotions of those approaching the end of life. The last poem of this book, Longevity II, ends on an optimistic note. It shows how we forage for “A long-lasting life Of the heart.” 

John Maynard is Professor of English Emeritus at NYU. His experience in literature is palpable in his writing style. Maynard’s honest portrayal of old age hits the heart. His poems are not monotonous. He does not focus only on the pains. He sheds light on the triumphs of aging as well. Maynard uses satire, humor, monologues, and myths to put forward his message. He succeeds in giving voice to the varied experiences of old age. Maynard underlines the fact that growing old does not take away the will to live. Aging has its own joys and pains. It does not mean that old people forget the pleasures of life. Old People and Ice Cream perfectly portrays this. 

John Maynard’s What’s It Like To Be Old? left a deep impact on me. It made me introspect and look at the process of aging from a new perspective. I highly recommend What’s It Like To Be Old? by John Maynard to all fans of poetry. In my opinion, this collection of poems is a must-have for not only the aged but also for the youth, as we are all bound to grow old one day. 

About the Author

John Maynard is Professor of English Emeritus at NYU, author of five nonfiction books, and co-editor of a Cambridge journal for 26 years. He received the Thomas J. Wilson Prize, a Guggenheim Fellowship, an NEH Grant, and a Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. His poetry collection Armando and Maisie won two 2026 awards.

Book Details

• Title: What’s It Like To Be Old?
• Author: John Maynard
• Genre: Poetry
• Theme: Aging, Life, Death,
• Publication Date: February 13, 2026
• ISBN or ASIN: B0GX2R4SV4
• Number of Pages: 89
• Minimum Audience Age: 16

Book Themes

(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)

• Sexual themes: 1
• Religious themes: 1
• Violence, self-harm, etc.: 0
• Crude language, expletives, swearing, etc.: 1
• Other adult themes: 2

Rating

• Content: 5 stars
• Writing Style: 5 stars
• Appeal to Target Audience: 5 stars
• Uniqueness: 5 stars
• Editing: 5 stars
• Other factors: 5 stars
• Overall: 5 out of 5

Related

Disclaimer: The content provided by The Chrysalis BREW Project is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in our reviews and articles are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of The Chrysalis BREW Project. We strive for accuracy, but we cannot guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information provided. External links are for convenience and do not imply endorsement. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult professionals as needed. The use of our content is at your own discretion. Please read our full disclaimer version as well as other relevant policies, terms, and conditions on the links below for more details.

Important Reads: About Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Disclaimer and Disclosure

For more posts like this, here’s the link: https://thechrysalisbrewproject.com/category/bookish-posts/.