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Irish Airman

The poem 'An Irish Airman Foresees His Death' by W.B. Yeats reflects the thoughts of a pilot who anticipates his fate in battle. He expresses a sense of detachment from both his enemies and his countrymen, suggesting that his motivations for fighting are not driven by duty or love, but rather a personal impulse. Ultimately, he contemplates the futility of life and death in the context of his experiences.

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Irish Airman

The poem 'An Irish Airman Foresees His Death' by W.B. Yeats reflects the thoughts of a pilot who anticipates his fate in battle. He expresses a sense of detachment from both his enemies and his countrymen, suggesting that his motivations for fighting are not driven by duty or love, but rather a personal impulse. Ultimately, he contemplates the futility of life and death in the context of his experiences.

Uploaded by

NgọcVõ
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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http://www.britishcouncil.

org/learnenglish
LearnEnglish Central
Poems

An Irish Airman Foresees His Death

By W.B. Yeats

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 men, 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.

© The British Council/Sue Clarke Spring Gardens 2004

The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.

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