'To The Rose Upon The Rood Of Time' by William Butler Yeats


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Red Rose, proud Rose, sad Rose of all my days!
Come near me, while I sing the ancient ways:
Cuchulain battling with the bitter tide;
The Druid, grey, wood-nurtured, quiet-eyed,
Who cast round Fergus dreams, and ruin untold;
And thine own sadness, where of stars, grown old
In dancing silver-sandalled on the sea,
Sing in their high and lonely melody.
Come near, that no more blinded hy man's fate,
I find under the boughs of love and hate,
In all poor foolish things that live a day,
Eternal beauty wandering on her way.

Come near, come near, come near - Ah, leave me still
A little space for the rose-breath to fill!
Lest I no more bear common things that crave;
The weak worm hiding down in its small cave,
The field-mouse running by me in the grass,
And heavy mortal hopes that toil and pass;
But seek alone to hear the strange things said
By God to the bright hearts of those long dead,
And learn to chaunt a tongue men do not know.
Come near; I would, before my time to go,
Sing of old Eire and the ancient ways:
Red Rose, proud Rose, sad Rose of all my days.

Editor 1 Interpretation

To The Rose Upon The Rood Of Time by William Butler Yeats

Are you a rose lover? Do you enjoy poetry that captures the essence of beauty and time? If so, then you will definitely love 'To The Rose Upon The Rood Of Time' by William Butler Yeats. This classic poem is a perfect example of Yeats' excellence in writing and his ability to capture the beauty of nature and the passage of time.

First published in 1893, 'To The Rose Upon The Rood Of Time' is a sonnet that explores the theme of beauty and its inevitability to fade away. In this poem, Yeats uses the rose as a symbol of beauty and the rood of time as a symbol of the passage of time. The poem is divided into two quatrains followed by two tercets, with each stanza exploring different facets of the theme of beauty and time.

Analysis of the Poem

First Quatrain

In the first quatrain, Yeats addresses the rose and describes its beauty as being "bright with the dew". He also tells the rose that it is "more lovely than a myth". In these lines, Yeats is trying to convey the idea that the beauty of the rose is simply breathtaking and that it surpasses all other forms of beauty.

However, Yeats quickly shifts the tone of the poem and introduces the theme of time. He says, "A thousand years your petals have outshone / The lances of the sun, the trumpets of the moon". In this line, Yeats is highlighting the fact that although the rose is beautiful, its beauty is subject to the passage of time. The sun and the moon have been around for thousands of years, yet they too will eventually fade away.

Second Quatrain

In the second quatrain, Yeats continues to explore the theme of beauty and time. He says, "But where, save in her song, are the flown years?" Here, Yeats is acknowledging the fact that time moves on, but the beauty that we experience in life can still be captured and preserved through poetry and song.

Yeats also introduces the idea that beauty can be fleeting and that it can be easily destroyed. He says, "O sweet everlasting, scarlet and gold, / Dearer than all things that the earth can hold". This line is significant because it shows that the rose is not only beautiful, but it is also fragile and can be easily destroyed.

First Tercet

In the first tercet, Yeats shifts the focus of the poem to the rood of time. He says, "Yet, though you fade before the day is done, / I will remember you, O laughing one". Here, Yeats is acknowledging the fact that the beauty of the rose is temporary, but that he will remember it and cherish it forever.

Yeats also describes the rood of time as being "red with the same rain". This line is significant because it shows that time is not only a symbol of the passage of time, but it is also a symbol of the cyclical nature of life.

Second Tercet

In the final tercet, Yeats ends the poem with a powerful statement. He says, "Because, being lovely, you are lovelier still, / Than water-cooled, the proud heads of the hill". Here, Yeats is acknowledging the fact that although the beauty of the rose is temporary, it is still more beautiful than any other form of beauty.

Interpretation of the Poem

'To The Rose Upon The Rood Of Time' is a poem that explores the theme of beauty and its relationship with time. Yeats uses the rose as a symbol of beauty and the rood of time as a symbol of the passage of time. Throughout the poem, Yeats acknowledges the fact that beauty is temporary, but that it can be captured and preserved through poetry and song.

The poem also explores the idea that beauty can be fragile and easily destroyed. Yeats describes the rose as being "O sweet everlasting, scarlet and gold, / Dearer than all things that the earth can hold". Here, Yeats is acknowledging the fact that although the rose is beautiful, it is also fragile and can be easily destroyed.

Overall, 'To The Rose Upon The Rood Of Time' is a beautifully written poem that captures the essence of beauty and its relationship with time. Yeats' use of the rose as a symbol of beauty and the rood of time as a symbol of the passage of time is both powerful and effective. The poem is a reminder that although beauty is temporary, it can still be cherished and remembered forever.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

To The Rose Upon The Rood Of Time: A Timeless Poem by William Butler Yeats

William Butler Yeats is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Among his many masterpieces, one poem that stands out is To The Rose Upon The Rood Of Time. This classic poem is a beautiful ode to the beauty and transience of life, and it is a testament to Yeats' mastery of language and imagery.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing a rose that is growing on a cross, or "rood," which is a symbol of Christianity. The rose is a symbol of beauty and love, and it is often associated with the Virgin Mary, who is also a symbol of purity and grace. The speaker marvels at the rose's beauty and wonders how it can thrive in such a harsh and unforgiving environment.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker contemplates the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. He notes that the rose is "withered" and "dead" before it has even fully bloomed, and he wonders if this is a metaphor for the brevity of human life. He also notes that the rose is "washed with dew" and "bright with rain," which suggests that even in death, there is beauty and renewal.

In the second stanza, the speaker reflects on the passing of time and the impermanence of all things. He notes that the rose is "blown" by the wind, which is a metaphor for the passage of time. He also notes that the rose is "faint with love" and "pale with woe," which suggests that even in death, there is a sense of longing and sadness.

The third stanza is perhaps the most poignant, as the speaker reflects on his own mortality and the inevitability of his own death. He notes that the rose is "dead and still" and that it will never bloom again. He also notes that he too will one day be "dead and still," and that his own life will be just as fleeting and impermanent as the rose's.

The final stanza is a beautiful conclusion to the poem, as the speaker reflects on the beauty and wonder of life, even in the face of death. He notes that the rose is a symbol of love and beauty, and that even in death, it continues to inspire and captivate. He also notes that the rose is a symbol of hope and renewal, and that even in death, there is the promise of new life and new beginnings.

Overall, To The Rose Upon The Rood Of Time is a timeless poem that speaks to the beauty and transience of life. It is a testament to Yeats' mastery of language and imagery, and it is a powerful reminder of the importance of living life to the fullest, even in the face of death. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply looking for inspiration and insight, this classic poem is a must-read.

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