The Aged Aged Man

This poem is a parody by Lewis Carroll of "Resolution and Independence" by William Wordsworth. Its full text in conventional spelling and information about its background can be found in Wikipedia. Carroll’s choice of words and rhyme is masterly. And the theme of not listening to other people’s problems, until they mention something that interests the listener directly, is a bittersweet and powerful one.

If English is not your native language and you would like to improve your pronunciation of the sounds of English and your flow of speech, read the phonetic text until your delivery is smooth and accurate. This text can also be profitably used in a teaching situation.