"Turning 50" - a Poem by Lally Michael Read Aloud  - New York School American poet Lally Michael reads a poem entitled "Turning 50" in this audio presentation.  He imparts wisdom and marvels at how he managed to get to 50 in one piece.

"On Turning Fifty" - a Poem by Steven Kronen  - The Poetry Foundation presents "On Turning Fifty" by Steven Kronen.  In the lovely verse here the narrator describes a change in perspective upon turning 50.  And this poem suggests that perhaps it is easier to find grace and beauty in the smaller aspects of life after you have reached 50.

"The Descent" - a Poem by William Carlos Williams  - The Academy of American Poets offers William Carlos Williams' "The Descent" in which the form of the lines seem to descend, themselves.  In this truly beautiful poem William writes, "With evening, love awakens / though its shadows / which are alive by reason / of the sun shining-- / grow sleepy now and drop away / from desire."

"Beautiful Old Age" - a Poem by David Herbert Lawrence  - The University of Toronto website provides David Herbert Lawrence's "Beautiful Old Age." in which the narrator discusses how growing old should be like apples, "Fragrant like yellowing leaves, and dim with the soft / stillness and satisfaction of autumn."  This poem would be lovely to offer to a friend or loved one upon her or his 50th birthday.

Poems about Aging from the Academy of American Poets  - The Academy of American Poets provides this article that cites a number of brilliant poems that explore aging.  Check out Lord Alfred Tennyson's "Tithanus" for a particularly witty take on aging that you could include in a birthday card for someone who is turning 50.

"I Feel I'm Growing Old" - a Poem by David Mills  - The University of Toronto website contributes this David Mills poem entitled "I Feel I'm Growing Old."  This is a bittersweet poem about aging and how life seems to change and speed up around those who are growing older.