When You are Old
By William Butler Yeats
When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;
How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim Soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;
And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;
How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim Soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;
And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.
Poem Analysis:
William Butler Yeats's poem "When You are Old" is a poignant reflection on love, aging, and the passage of time. Through its evocative language and introspective tone, the poem invites readers to contemplate the enduring nature of true love amidst the inevitability of aging and change. Let's delve deeper into the poem's themes, imagery, and underlying messages.
Reflections on Aging
At the heart of "When You are Old" is a contemplation of the aging process and its impact on beauty and perception. Yeats addresses the imagined future of the poem's subject, envisioning a time when they are "old and grey and full of sleep." The image of nodding by the fire suggests a state of quietude and introspection, emphasizing the passage of time and the onset of old age. Through this portrayal, Yeats prompts readers to reflect on the inevitability of aging and the ways in which it transforms both appearance and perspective.
The Power of Memory
The act of taking down a book and slowly reading, as described in the poem, serves as a metaphor for the power of memory and reflection. Yeats encourages the subject to revisit memories of their youth, recalling the "soft look" and "shadows deep" of their eyes in days gone by. This emphasis on memory underscores the role of the past in shaping identity and understanding, suggesting that one's true essence lies not in outward appearance but in the depths of their experiences and emotions.
True Love Amidst Change
Embedded within "When You are Old" is a meditation on the nature of love and its enduring significance. Yeats contrasts the superficial affections of those who loved the subject's "moments of glad grace" with the deeper, more profound love of "one man" who cherished the essence of their "pilgrim Soul." This distinction highlights the transformative power of authentic love, which sees beyond external beauty to embrace the inner essence of a person. Despite the passage of time and the changes wrought by age, true love remains steadfast and unwavering.
The Fleeting Nature of Love
In the final stanza, Yeats introduces a note of melancholy as he reflects on the fleeting nature of love. The image of Love fleeing and hiding his face amid a crowd of stars evokes a sense of loss and longing, underscoring the impermanence of human relationships in the face of cosmic forces. This cosmic perspective serves to contextualize the ephemeral nature of human existence and the enduring power of love to transcend time and space.
"When You are Old" by William Butler Yeats is a timeless exploration of love, aging, and memory. Through its lyrical language and introspective imagery, the poem invites readers to contemplate the complexities of human relationships and the enduring significance of authentic love amidst the passage of time. Yeats's verses serve as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of love to transcend the limitations of age and mortality, offering solace and reflection in the face of life's inevitable changes.