The poem “Crabbed Age and Youth” discusses contrast between the young and the old. In the first reading we find that the poem is simply about goodness of being young and problems of being old. However if we go better, we find something quite different.

This poem is about the differences between the parents and their children. The young people are young, energetic, lavish, adventurous, pleasure-seeking and joyful. On the other hand, the old people i.e. parents are weak, aimless, cautious, simple, miser.

Both have different ways of living their life and seeing the things. The problems arises when old start forcing the young to live the life as the former desire. These problems create difference between the two. This is why the poet says, “Crabbed Age and Youth cannot live together”.

Another important aspect here is the will of a maiden which is quite contrary to the society of that time which was patriarchal in nature. In the poem, the girl expresses her will for a young person as . an old would never be able to love her. I think, these lines suggest that girls should not be married to old people. They too have desires and aspirations.