The Meditation of the Old Fisherman
By William Butler Yeats
You waves, though you dance by my feet like children at play,
Though you glow and you glance, though you purr and you dart;
In the Junes that were warmer than these are, the waves were more gay,
When I was a boy with never a crack in my heart.
The herring are not in the tides as they were of old;
My sorrow! for many a creak gave the creel in the-cart
That carried the take to Sligo town to be sold,
When I was a boy with never a crack in my heart.
And ah, you proud maiden, you are not so fair when his oar
Is heard on the water, as they were, the proud and apart,
Who paced in the eve by the nets on the pebbly shore,
When I was a boy with never a crack in my heart.
Though you glow and you glance, though you purr and you dart;
In the Junes that were warmer than these are, the waves were more gay,
When I was a boy with never a crack in my heart.
The herring are not in the tides as they were of old;
My sorrow! for many a creak gave the creel in the-cart
That carried the take to Sligo town to be sold,
When I was a boy with never a crack in my heart.
And ah, you proud maiden, you are not so fair when his oar
Is heard on the water, as they were, the proud and apart,
Who paced in the eve by the nets on the pebbly shore,
When I was a boy with never a crack in my heart.
Poem Analysis:
William Butler Yeats' poem "The Meditation of the Old Fisherman" reflects on the passage of time and the changes witnessed by an elderly fisherman. Through its contemplative tone and poignant imagery, the poem explores themes of nostalgia, loss, and the inevitable march of time. Let's delve deeper into the themes, imagery, and underlying messages of Yeats' poem.
Nostalgia for Youthful Days
The poem opens with the speaker addressing the waves, personifying them as playful children dancing at his feet. This imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia for the speaker's youthful days when the waves seemed more vibrant and joyful. The reference to "Junes that were warmer than these are" suggests a longing for the carefree days of youth when the world seemed brighter and more full of possibility.
Loss and Change
As the poem progresses, the speaker laments the changes he has witnessed over time. He recalls how the herring used to be plentiful in the tides, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. However, he mourns the loss of this abundance, reflecting on the decline in the fish population and the economic impact it has had on the community.
Reminiscing on Past Beauty
The speaker also reflects on the beauty of a maiden who used to walk along the shore, her presence once captivating and alluring. However, with the passing of time, her beauty has faded, mirroring the speaker's own realization of aging and mortality. The image of the maiden serves as a symbol of lost youth and vitality, highlighting the transient nature of beauty and life itself.
"The Meditation of the Old Fisherman" by William Butler Yeats is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the changes witnessed by an elderly fisherman. Through its nostalgic imagery and contemplative tone, the poem explores themes of youth, loss, and the inevitability of change. Yeats' poem serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing moments of joy and beauty while they last.