I know that I shall meet my fate
Somewhere among the clouds above;
Those that I fight I do not hate,
Those that I guard I do not love;
My county is Kiltartan Cross,
My countrymen Kiltartan's poor,
No likely end could bring them loss
Or leave them happier than before.
Nor law, nor duty bade me fight,
Nor public men, nor cheering crowds,
A lonely impulse of delight
Drove to this tumult in the clouds;
The years to come seemed waste of breath,
A waste of breath the years behind
In balance with this life, this death.
-William Butler Yeats
I think this is a good example of World War II poetry because it shows the opinion of a country fighting in the war, but is not personally affected. This poem could be relevant to the different feelings of many people in various nations. (Also, I love William Butler Yeats.)
http://www.angelfire.com/wa/warpoetry/Irish.html
I found this poem quite enjoyable. Yeats' point of the view on the war is very interesting. It is good to hear how a country that was not directly affected by the war reacted to it. I also love anything that comes from the glorious island of Ireland, so I also find W.B. Yeats very enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's nice to see someone who knows who Yeats is! Whenever I mention him to someone, they don't usually know who he is. I think Ireland is a glorious island as well, and the United Kingdom in general is just a lovely place!
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