If a poet interprets a poem of his own he limits its suggestibility.
William Butler YeatsRead
How can I, that girl standing there, My attention fix On Roman or on Russian Or on Spanish politics? Yet here's a travelled man that knows What he talks about, And there's a politician That has read and thought, And maybe what they say is true Of war and war's alarms, But O that I were young again And held her in my arms!
Interpretation
What this quote means
The speaker longs for youth and love despite the complexities of politics and the wisdom of experienced individuals.
In this quote, Yeats expresses a deep nostalgia for youthful love, suggesting that no matter how knowledgeable or experienced individuals may be in political matters, those worldly issues pale in comparison to the pure emotions associated with love. The contrast between the allure of youthful affection and the serious commitments of adult life highlights the speaker's yearning for simpler, more passionate times.
Themes
LoveYouthNostalgiaPoliticsYearning
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of love in our lives rather than getting caught up in societal issues.
More from William Butler Yeats
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But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
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How far away the stars seem, and how far is our first kiss, and ah, how old my heart.
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For he would be thinking of love Till the stars had run away And the shadows eaten the moon.
William Butler YeatsRead
Love is created and preserved by intellectual analysis, for we love only that which is unique, and it belongs to contemplation, not to action, for we would not change that which we love.
William Butler YeatsRead
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