On Being Asked For A War Poem

William Butler Yeats

 Next Poem          

I THINK it better that in times like these
A poet's mouth be silent, for in truth
We have no gift to set a statesman right;
He has had enough of medding who can please
A young girl in the indolence of her youth,
Or an old man upon a winter's night.

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
  • marilyncollick

    Just read a Yeats poem, and kinda confused... "A poet's mouth be silent"? Can someone explain?

    • Dominic Benz

      "NO GIFT TO SET A STATESMAN RIGHT" SO TRUE!