If a poet interprets a poem of his own he limits its suggestibility.
William Butler YeatsRead
The years like great black oxen tread the world, and God, the herdsman goads them on behind, and I am broken by their passing feet.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the relentless passage of time and the inevitable impact it has on our lives.
William Butler Yeats uses vivid imagery to convey the oppressive nature of time as it moves forward, likening the years to powerful oxen that tread on the world, symbolizing the weight of life's experiences. The mention of God as the herdsman suggests a divine force guiding this passage, while the speaker's feeling of being 'broken' highlights the emotional and physical toll that time takes on individuals, illustrating the fragility of human existence in the face of inevitable change.
Themes
TimePassageLifeExistenceChange
In practice
Example use cases
In a reflective speech about aging and life experiences.
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