Broken Dreams (Poem by William Butler Yeats)

Broken Dreams

By William Butler Yeats

There is grey in your hair.

Young men no longer suddenly catch their breath

When you are passing;

But maybe some old gaffer mutters a blessing

Because it was your prayer

Recovered him upon the bed of death.

For your sole sake — that all heart’s ache have known,

And given to others all heart’s ache,

From meagre girlhood’s putting on

Burdensome beauty — for your sole sake

Heaven has put away the stroke of her doom,

So great her portion in that peace you make

By merely walking in a room.

Your beauty can but leave among us

Vague memories, nothing but memories.

A young man when the old men are done talking

Will say to an old man, ‘Tell me of that lady

The poet stubborn with his passion sang us

When age might well have chilled his blood.’

Vague memories, nothing but memories,

But in the grave all, all, shall be renewed.

The certainty that I shall see that lady

Leaning or standing or walking

In the first loveliness of womanhood,

And with the fervour of my youthful eyes,

Has set me muttering like a fool.

You are more beautiful than any one,

And yet your body had a flaw:

Your small hands were not beautiful,

And I am afraid that you will run

And paddle to the wrist

In that mysterious, always brimming lake

Where those that have obeyed the holy law

Paddle and are perfect. Leave unchanged

The hands that I have kissed,

For old sake’s sake.

The last stroke of midnight dies.

All day in the one chair

From dream to dream and rhyme to rhyme I have ranged

In rambling talk with an image of air:

Vague memories, nothing but memories.

Poem Analysis:

William Butler Yeats, a prominent figure in 20th-century poetry, often explored themes of love, aging, and the passage of time. In "Broken Dreams," Yeats crafts a poignant narrative that reflects on the fleeting nature of beauty and the enduring power of memory. This analysis will delve into the layers of meaning within this evocative poem.

1. The Erosion of Beauty: The poem begins with the acknowledgment of the passage of time and its effects on beauty. The speaker notes the presence of gray hair, signaling the aging of the subject. The once-potent beauty that could captivate young men is now fading, and the speaker observes that younger generations no longer react with the same awe.
2. The Blessing of Empathy: Despite the erosion of physical beauty, the speaker suggests that the subject's prayers and empathetic nature have blessed and comforted others, especially during times of death and suffering. The subject's capacity to understand and alleviate the heartache of others is portrayed as a source of spiritual beauty that transcends physical appearance.
3. The Power of Memory: Yeats explores the theme of memory throughout the poem. The passing of time may diminish physical beauty, but memory has the power to preserve it. The old men's recollections of the subject's youthful beauty serve as a testament to the lasting impact of her presence.
4. The Idealization of Beauty: The poem emphasizes the subject's physical imperfections, particularly her small hands, which are described as flawed. However, the speaker acknowledges his fear that the subject will reach a state of perfection in the afterlife, as symbolized by the "mysterious, always brimming lake." This transformation is seen as a loss of the unique and imperfect beauty that the speaker cherishes.
5. The Poet's Fears and Longings: The final stanza reveals the poet's deep longing and fear of losing the memory of the subject's beauty. The speaker has spent the day reminiscing about their encounters and conversations, but these are now vague memories that hold great emotional weight.

"Broken Dreams" by W.B. Yeats is a poignant reflection on aging, beauty, and the enduring power of memory. It emphasizes that while physical beauty may fade with time, the beauty of empathy, compassion, and shared experiences can leave a lasting impact. The poem underscores the complexity of human emotions and the deep connection between beauty and memory. Yeats invites readers to consider the value of inner beauty and the significance of preserving memories in the face of inevitable change and loss.