This Malagasy proverb compares a person to grass (véro) that, though healthy and flourishing at first, deteriorates as it grows older. Just as grass can appear strong and vigorous initially but withers as it ages, a person may exhibit strength and vitality in youth but experience decline with age. An equivalent English proverb would be “All that glitters is not gold.” This analogy highlights the fleeting nature of certain human qualities and serves as a reminder to look beyond external appearances and consider inner, more enduring attributes.