Posted by Nan on August 26, 1997 at 19:41:58:
In reply to Why I like it posted by Laraine on August 26, 1997 at 16:40:33
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] ] ] Following is my all-time favorite Yeats poem. It's the second stanza that gets me every time:
] ] ] When You Are Old
] ] ] 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;
] ] It's so strange that you should mention this poem--it's long been my favorite too. I was sifting through some old books Sunday night and came upon it...and fell in love all over again. So lovely it hurts...
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] ________
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] So lovely it hurts... Yes. I know.
] Why is that, Nan? I suppose your description defines poignant, and the poem is that. But I've never been able to figure out quite what it is about this poem that gets me. In some ways it's even rather vengeful almost--because the narrator is hoping that she remembers him and regrets him--when she is old and gray.
I can't say there is one specific thing that draws me to it. I can both relate to the sentiment and appreciate the simplicity of the language. For me, much of it is aesthetic--I love the rhythm and his choice of words: "shadows deep", "glad grace", "pilgrim soul", "glowing bars". The simple beauty of the sound of these words coupled with their meanings, makes it irresistable for me. It's like listening to an opera--you can't explain why, but it's so pretty you ache.
] I know I want to be loved for my "pilgrim soul"....
Yes. I too, would be very well pleased...and flattered.
] Maybe I like it because it implies there is vengence for those of us who are capable of loving someone else's pilgrim soul even though they are too vain to appreciate it...
Vain and/or stupid. I think everyone has had the, "you'll be sorry one day" impulse. I know I have, which makes it that much more endearing.
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