A renowned lyric poem, “When You Are Old” by William Butler Yeats, explores themes of enduring love, regret, and the inevitable passage of time. It presents a scenario where the speaker addresses a woman in her later years, reflecting on the admiration she once received and contrasting it with a deeper, more profound love that was ultimately rejected.
The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its poignant portrayal of unrequited love and the potential for regret over choices made in youth. Its historical context within the Irish Literary Revival and Yeats’s own personal experiences with unreturned affection contribute to its emotional depth and resonance. The work offers insight into the complexities of human relationships and the lasting impact of lost opportunities.