"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"

In this poignant quote, Scottish poet Norman MacCaig catches the sorrowful inevitability of aging and the associated loss of buddies. Aging is often accompanied by reflections on life and death, and MacCaig's words explore the emotional landscape of losing those who have actually been significant parts of one's journey.

"A terrible thing about getting oldish" shows the transitional stage in life, rather humorously acknowledging the onset of old age. Using "oldish" suggests an awareness of entering a phase where the vibrancy of youth starts to wane, leading to experiences that could be unsettling or agonizing.

MacCaig highlights one of the most tough elements of aging: "your friends start passing away". This stark admission speaks to the gradual however profound sense of loss that collects as one ages. Friendships formed over decades are vital, and losing these connections equates to losing a part of oneself. Each good friend represents shared memories, experiences, and emotional bonds, making their absence deeply felt. The phrasing highlights the universality of the experience; it is a "horrible thing" lots of will experience, binding us in shared human experience.

The phrase "in the last ten years I have actually lost seven or eight of my closest" adds an individual measurement, moving from general observation to intimate revelation. It showcases the magnitude of his loss within a fairly brief time frame, reinforcing the effect of these lacks. By measuring his losses, MacCaig welcomes the reader to value both the particular and cumulative sorrow each loss represents.

MacCaig's quote eventually challenges the melancholy of aging, prompting readers to treasure their relationships while they can. His reflection stands as a tip of life's impermanent nature and the importance of treasuring connections that offer life its richness. In acknowledging the inescapable sorrow of losing loved ones, he underscores the value of love and relationship in shaping and enriching our lives.