Parting

William Butler Yeats

 Next Poem          

He. Dear, I must be gone
While night Shuts the eyes
Of the household spies;
That song announces dawn.

She. No, night's bird and love's
Bids all true lovers rest,
While his loud song reproves
The murderous stealth of day.

He. Daylight already flies
From mountain crest to crest

She. That light is from the moon.

He. That bird...

She. Let him sing on,
I offer to love's play
My dark declivities.

Next Poem 

 Back to William Butler Yeats
Get a free collection of Classic Poetry ↓

Receive the ebook in seconds 50 poems from 50 different authors


To be able to leave a comment here you must be registered. Log in or Sign up.

Comments2
  • jaspercheatham

    Read this years ago. "That light is from the moon," nice.

    • nevilleronan760

      This is such an emotionally charged piece yet very peaceful at the same time. The dialogue between the two voices conveys a sense of tension and longing which is deeply stirring. The line "My dark declivities" really stood out for me, shouting a willingness to embrace life's complexities, perhaps turning what seems negative into something lover's can explore. Poignant and memorable.