An Irish Airman Foresees his Death
Yeats was profoundly affected by the death of his friend Major Robert Gregory in the First World War. He wrote a number of poems about him, the most popular of which is "An Irish Airman Foresees his Death". The depth of meaning in this poem has ensured that Yeats’ perception of the dilemma facing Gregory, as he pondered his involvement in the war in the skies, will long outlive his brief stay on this earth.
Spoken Word
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 country 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 man, nor cheering crowds, A lonely impulse of delight Drove to this tumult in the clouds; I balanced all, brought all to mind, The years to come seemed waste of breath, A waste of breath the years behind In balance with this life, this death |
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