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Turning Forty by Kevin Griffith: American Life in Poetry #13

Birthdays, especially those which mark the passage of a decade, are occasions not only for celebration, but for reflection. In "Turning Forty," Ohio poet Kevin Griffith conveys a confusion of sentiments. The speaker feels a sense of peace at forty, but recalls a more powerful, more confident time in his life.
Turning Forty

At times it's like there is a small planet
inside me. And on this planet,
there are many small wars, yet none
big enough to make a real difference.
The major countries—mind and heart—have
called a truce for now. If this planet had a ruler,
no one remembers him well. All
decisions are made by committee.
Yet there are a few pictures of the old dictator—
how youthful he looked on his big horse,
how bright his eyes.
He was ready to conquer the world.



American Life in Poetry is made possible by The Poetry Foundation (www.poetryfoundation.org), publisher of Poetry magazine. It is also supported by the Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Reprinted from Cooweescoowee by permission of the author, whose most recent book is Paradise Refunded (Backwaters Press, 1998). Poem copyright © 2004 by Kevin Griffith. Introduction copyright © 2009 by The Poetry Foundation. The introduction's author, Ted Kooser, served as United States Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2004-2006. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts.

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  • Haiku Kin
    June 5
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    I'm a ways away from that age, yet I already feel some kinship with the author (like how it seems like my life is run by a committee instead of by me alone). This is so very well written. The author has tremendous insight.

    So, which is truly the way we should be? Run by a committee, with a truce (notice that it "truce" does not necessarily mean "peace") between heart and mind, or going out boldly to conquer the world, but with a dictator-like mindset and open internal conflict? Or, is it possible to have the two together, or another state that hasn't been touched on?

    Interesting life questions are roused by this piece, and that is why it is such a great poem.

    Thanks for posting this.


  • Poetess12
    June 4
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    A Great Poem

    This poem stands out to me. The words make the poem interesting to read. I am 37 and 40 is getting closer. Although I still think and act like a child. I really like the Poem "Turning Forty" I have something to look forward to. This poem is written by a wonderful poet.

  • bowmore bill
    June 4
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    Thoughtful

    I see some similarities in myself at that age.
    I remember my wife and kids making a big thing of it, the big 40 they choursed. How i wish i could turn the clock bach thirty years.
    Ps, i received a bottle of Royal Salute whiskey from my son, still have the empty bottle in its velvet bag.


  • grampabob1946 silver member
    June 4
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    I'll have to think about this poem

    Next month I'll turn 63. I've given up on making any significant changes that will outlast me. My children and grandchildren live in a different world than me, and they keep their secrets: thank God, I don't want to know their secrets. Taking care of my disabled wife, singing in the choir, playing the bells for church. Writing poems, stories, watching the sun come up in the morning: it's enough. I've learned the meaning of enough.


    • Haiku Kin
      June 5
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      Good for you! Not many have, even amongst those who are retired and should be considered wiser for their age.

      As I heard one pastor say in a sermon, "People just work, work, work, until they're the richest bodies in the graveyard."

      Simplicity is one of the biggest keys to happiness in life. I'm glad to see that this lesson has been learned by some, at least.

1 - 5 of 5