Countee Cullen’s speaker describes what it feels like to be young and emotionally wide open. He is quick to be moved by small, fragile things, like a seed slowly sprouting. He feels other people’s needs so sharply that he would give away anything he owns. Love makes him foolish and excited, especially when he sees a beautiful young woman pass by. In the final stanza, he asks to stay lavish with his tears and to keep dreaming even when dreams are false, because although wisdom comes with age, so do empty, barren days. The mood is tender and a little sad: youth hurts, but it also feels alive, and the speaker is not sure that losing that rawness is a fair trade.
Wisdom Cometh with the Years — Summary
Now I am young and credulous, My heart is quick to bleed At courage in the tremulous Slow sprouting of a seed.
Now I am young and sensitive, Man’s lack can stab me through; I own no stitch I would not give To him that asked me to.
Now I am young and a fool for love, My blood goes mad to see A brown girl pass me like a dove That flies melodiously.
Let me be lavish of my tears, And dream that false is true; Though wisdom cometh with the years, The barren days come, too.