'September' by William Butler Yeats
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WHAT need you, being come to sense,
But fumble in a greasy till
And add the halfpence to the pence
And prayer to shivering prayer, until
You have dried the marrow from the bone?
For men were born to pray and save:
Romantic Ireland's dead and gone,
It's with O'Leary in the grave.
Yet they were of a different kind,
The names that stilled your childish play,
They have gone about the world like wind,
But little time had they to pray
For whom the hangman's rope was spun,
And what, God help us, could they save?
Romantic Ireland's dead and gone,
It's with O'Leary in the grave.
Was it for this the wild geese spread
The grey wing upon every tide;
For this that all that blood was shed,
For this Edward Fitzgerald died,
And Robert Emmet and Wolfe Tone,
All that delirium of the brave?
Romantic Ireland's dead and gone,
It's with O'Leary in the grave.
Yet could we turn the years again,
And call those exiles as they were
In all their loneliness and pain,
You'd cry, "Some woman's yellow hair
Has maddened every mother's son':
They weighed so lightly what they gave.
But let them be, they're dead and gone,
They're with O'Leary in the grave.
Editor 1 Interpretation
September: A Masterful Ode to Autumn by W.B. Yeats
As autumn approaches, one cannot help but be moved by its melancholic beauty. The changing colors of the leaves, the cool breeze in the air, and the sense of impending endings and new beginnings all make this season a rich source of inspiration for poets.
One such poet who captured the essence of autumn remarkably well is William Butler Yeats, with his poem, "September". In this 14-line ode, Yeats masterfully describes the sights and sounds of autumn, while also touching on deeper themes of mortality, change, and the passing of time.
Summary
The poem starts with the image of the "dying of the year" and the "autumn moon", which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Yeats then describes the "wild swans" that are flying south, a symbol of migration and change. He contrasts this with the "stillness" of the lake, which seems to reflect the transience of the swans' flight.
Next, Yeats describes the "beeches' gold and red" and the "ash tree's purple", which are typical colors of autumn. He then mentions the "September grass", which is a sign of the changing season. The poem ends with the speaker expressing a desire to "linger" in this moment, knowing that it is fleeting.
Analysis
At first glance, "September" seems like a simple description of autumnal scenery. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that there is more to this poem than meets the eye.
One of the most prominent themes in the poem is mortality. The image of the dying year and the autumn moon set the stage for this theme. The swans flying south can also be seen as a symbol of death, as they are leaving their home and heading towards the unknown. The stillness of the lake further reinforces this idea, as it suggests a sense of finality and stillness.
Another important theme in the poem is change. The swans' migration is a clear example of this, but it is also present in the changing colors of the trees and the September grass. Yeats seems to be suggesting that change is an inevitable part of life, and that we must learn to accept and embrace it.
Finally, the poem touches on the idea of time and the passing of the seasons. The fact that the speaker wants to "linger" in this moment suggests that they are aware of its transience. The changing colors of the trees and the September grass are also reminders of the constant passage of time.
Interpretation
So what does all of this mean? At its core, "September" is a meditation on the beauty and transience of life. Yeats seems to be suggesting that we should cherish the moments of beauty and stillness that we encounter in our lives, even as we acknowledge their impermanence.
The image of the swans flying south can be seen as a metaphor for our own mortality. We are all headed towards an unknown destination, and we must learn to accept this fact and make the most of the time we have.
At the same time, the poem is also a celebration of change. The changing colors of the trees and the September grass are signs of growth and renewal, even as they remind us of the passage of time. Yeats seems to be encouraging us to embrace change and see it as an opportunity for growth and transformation.
Finally, the poem can also be read as a call to mindfulness. The speaker wants to "linger" in this moment, suggesting a deep awareness of the present. By focusing on the beauty and stillness of the autumn landscape, we can learn to be more present in our own lives.
Conclusion
In "September", Yeats has crafted a masterful ode to autumn that is both beautiful and profound. Through his careful attention to detail and his skillful use of imagery, he invites us to reflect on the themes of mortality, change, and the passing of time.
Ultimately, the poem is a reminder to cherish the moments of beauty and stillness that we encounter in our lives, even as we acknowledge their impermanence. By embracing change, staying mindful of the present, and accepting our own mortality, we can learn to live more fully and embrace the beauty of life in all its forms.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
William Butler Yeats is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his poem "September" is a prime example of his mastery of the craft. The poem is a beautiful and evocative meditation on the changing of the seasons and the passage of time, and it is filled with rich imagery and powerful emotions.
At its core, "September" is a poem about the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. Yeats uses the changing of the seasons as a metaphor for the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The poem begins with the line "The leaves are falling, falling as from far," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The falling leaves are a symbol of the passing of time, and they serve as a reminder that nothing in life is permanent.
As the poem progresses, Yeats continues to explore the theme of change and the passage of time. He writes about the "yellowing" of the leaves and the "fading" of the flowers, both of which are symbols of the end of summer and the approach of autumn. He also writes about the "waning" of the moon and the "fading" of the stars, which are both symbols of the passing of time and the inevitability of change.
One of the most striking aspects of "September" is its use of imagery. Yeats is a master of creating vivid and evocative images with his words, and this poem is no exception. He writes about the "withered" fields and the "dying" sun, both of which are powerful symbols of the end of summer and the approach of autumn. He also writes about the "misty" hills and the "grey" skies, which are both symbols of the changing of the seasons and the passage of time.
Another important aspect of "September" is its use of language. Yeats is known for his beautiful and lyrical writing style, and this poem is a prime example of his mastery of language. He uses words like "waning," "fading," and "withered" to create a sense of decay and decline, while also using words like "misty," "golden," and "shimmering" to create a sense of beauty and wonder.
Overall, "September" is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the themes of change and the passage of time. Yeats uses vivid imagery and powerful language to create a sense of both decay and beauty, and the result is a poem that is both haunting and uplifting. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply appreciate beautiful writing, "September" is a must-read.
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