"A terrible thing about getting oldish is that your friends start dying, and in the last ten years I have lost seven or eight of my closest"

This quote by Norman MacCaig speaks to the severe truth of aging. As we age, our good friends and loved ones begin to pass away, leaving us with a sense of loss and sorrow. MacCaig's quote talks to the personal experience of losing friends in the last decade. It is a tip of the fragility of life and the significance of valuing the time we have with our loved ones. It is a tip to appreciate the moments we have with our loved ones, and to make the most of our time together. MacCaig's quote is a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing the time we have actually with our loved ones, and to take advantage of our time together.