Sarton writes with a style that is as clear as a ringing bell, but gentle and often sensuous. The central recurring theme to the book (as indicated by the title) is growing old. But Sarton is not bitter; rather, she is observant and reflective. Other important themes in the book include violence and suffering, love and friendship, and the beauties of the natural world. Her attentive eye captures animals' footprints on newly fallen snow, the flight of a golden finch, the dance of fireflies, and other wonderful things.

Some outstanding poems: "December Moon," which is rich in nature images; "After the Long Enduring," about a friend's struggle with AIDS; "The Artist," a delightful piece about an elephant with an artistic talent; "The Scream," which captures an act of violence in the natural world; and "Getting Dressed," about the effort of getting dressed when you're old.

In a back cover blurb for the book, Gwendolyn Brooks describes May Sarton as "a woman of magnificent radiance--a Truth-teller!!" I couldn't have said it better myself. For another great collection of poetry that has growing old as a key theme, try Allen Ginsberg's "Cosmopolitan Greetings."