NOW must I these three praise --
Three women that have wrought
What joy is in my days:
One because no thought,
Nor those unpassing cares,
No, not in these fifteen
Many-times-troubled years,
Could ever come between
Mind and delighted mind;
And one because her hand
Had strength that could unbind
What none can understand,
What none can have and thrive,
Youth's dreamy load, till she
So changed me that I live
Labouring in ecstasy.
And what of her that took
All till my youth was gone
With scarce a pitying look?
How could I praise that one?
When day begins to break
I count my good and bad,
Being wakeful for her sake,
Remembering what she had,
What eagle look still shows,
While up from my heart's root
So great a sweetness flows
I shake from head to foot.
Back to William Butler Yeats
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Comments2Really love the emotional depth in this. It's like a journey through the poet's relationships and how each woman influenced him. Also, the regret and longing at the end gave a powerful climax. Can't help but feel a bit nostalgic and reflective after reading it. Makes ya think about yer own experiences too. Kudos to the bard for making something so relatable.
LOVE HOW THIS MAKES ME FEEL, THE PASSAGE "LABOURING IN ECSTASY" REALLY MOVED ME 😊👌.