Till the seed of the fire flicker and glow;
And then I must scrub and bake and sweep
Till stars are beginning to blink and peep;
And the young lie long and dream in their bed
Of the matching of ribbons for bosom and head,
And they goes over in idleness,
And they sigh if the wind but lift a tress:
While I must work because I am old,
And the seed of the fire gets feeble and cold.
Poem Analysis:
William Butler Yeats' poem "The Song of the Old Mother" offers a poignant reflection on the toils and sacrifices of aging and the stark contrast between the responsibilities of the elderly and the carefree existence of the young. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Yeats explores themes of duty, aging, and societal expectations.
Dichotomy Between Youth and Age: The poem starkly contrasts the lives of the old mother and the young, highlighting the disparity in their experiences. While the young "dream in their bed" and indulge in idleness, the old mother rises at dawn to attend to her chores. This dichotomy serves as a commentary on the different stages of life and the shifting priorities that come with age.
Routine and Duty: Yeats portrays the old mother's daily routine with vivid detail, emphasizing the monotonous and labor-intensive nature of her tasks. From kindling the fire to scrubbing, baking, and sweeping, her days are consumed by relentless toil. The repetition of these chores underscores the sense of duty and obligation that governs her life.
Symbolism of Fire: The image of the fire serves as a central motif in the poem, symbolizing warmth, vitality, and sustenance. The old mother's efforts to keep the fire alive metaphorically represent her struggle to maintain the vitality and comfort of her household. As the "seed of the fire gets feeble and cold," it mirrors the diminishing strength and vigor of the old mother herself.
Themes of Aging and Decline: Through the old mother's lament, Yeats explores themes of aging and decline. The poem reflects on the physical and emotional toll of growing old, as well as the societal expectations placed upon the elderly. Despite her weariness and frailty, the old mother dutifully continues her chores, embodying resilience in the face of adversity.
Critique of Social Injustice: In highlighting the disparity between the young and the old, Yeats offers a subtle critique of societal attitudes towards aging and the marginalization of the elderly. The poem exposes the injustice of a system that undervalues the contributions and experiences of older individuals, relegating them to a life of labor and obscurity.
In conclusion, William Butler Yeats' "The Song of the Old Mother" is a poignant exploration of aging, duty, and societal expectations. Through its evocative imagery and poignant reflections, the poem invites readers to contemplate the sacrifices and struggles of the elderly, while also challenging prevailing notions of productivity and worth in society.