dzehranahs dzehree bahdeevuhn eemahnas

Those desiring greatness must develop modesty and self-discipline in personal life and genuine respect for others. A youth cannot measure correctly the value of experience that comes with old age. But as a person ages, he is able to understand the difference between callow youth and seasoned maturity that recognizes the value of careful consideration of consequences of one’s actions.

The wisdom of an elder can be invaluable for a youth to learn early in life. Many time people say, “If I only knew when I was young what I know now in my old age.”

Nor haveroun jewjew guh sen, heen haveroun kuhsheh kuhsheh

This proverb expresses the fact that people are somewhat affectionate toward children, but summarily order old people to do things.

Dzeroutoun hink cent chi arzerh

My mother often said this in her old age. Old age is just a headache of sickness, pain, frustration and death. It’s not worth five cents. Earnest Hemingway, the author, decided to commit suicide when he aged. His body could no longer do the things he loved most which included going on safaris, accompanying conquering armies, drinking and love affairs, and his mind was not able to concentrate on writing because of his paranoia and frustration. One morning in 1962 he killed himself with a shotgun.

I have written a song is Armenian that speaks of growing old.

Dzerhoutioun

Dzerhoutiyoun dzerhoutiyoum
votch mee martoum chee harkoum

Old age, old age, doesn’t respect any man

Sourp keerk ouneem hoyiss ounem
Verchabes maahem azadem

I have the holy book and a great hope
that in the end I will be delivered delivered from death
(meaning saved by the Lord)

Seerdis vrrah yar muh gah
Yaris heesem latz gou kah

There is a hard rock in my heart

Yaris merav heratzav
giankus miayn seerdi tzav

My dearest love departed (died)
life is just a heartache (now)

dareeneruh soohud antzan
mazerus germak yeghan

The years pass so quickly
my hairs have become white

parehgamneerus mahahtzan
ov keedeh yerp yes gertam
My friends have died
who knows when I will also go

mahen arach artunnam
acckuss paatz asduhvasdz dessnam

Before death, let me awaken
Open my eyes and see God

Dhereen khosgk togh eem ogh uhlee
Aganchis misht vayehlee

Let God’s word hang on my ears like an ear ring
and decorate my ears handsomely

Khrad luhseh mee heeranal
Mahuh uhnmisht guh modenah

Listen to my advice
please don’t go away
Death is always so near

Kuhloughit vurrah jagadakhir
Abakayheen mudadzeer

Our destinies are written on our forehead
(in other words death is inevitible)
Therefore think of your certain future (or fate
and act responsibly)