Happy St Patrick’s Day!
This day in 432 is the traditional date when Saint Patrick, aged about 16 is captured by Irish pirates from his home in Great Britain and taken as a slave to Ireland. He escaped after six years and returned to Britain, where he studied Christianity and was ordained a priest. He later returned to Ireland to spread the Gospel and convert the Irish to Christianity.
St. Patrick is remembered for his missionary work and teaching, as well as for his influence on Irish culture. He is credited with introducing the Latin alphabet, which allowed Irish literature and culture to flourish. He is also credited with introducing the Celtic cross, a symbol of Irish culture and faith. The shamrock, which is associated with St. Patrick, is believed to be a symbol of the Trinity.
I am celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with William Butler Yeats, Irish dramatist, writer, politician and one of the most renowned poets of the 20th century. His poem, “The Lake Isle of Innisfree,” is a classic example of his lyrical style and his ability to evoke emotion through his words. The poem is a romantic ode to a place of beauty and peace, a place that he holds dear in his heart.
The poem begins with a description of the lake and its surrounding landscape. He speaks of the beauty of the lake and the hills that surround it, and how the lake is a place of peace and serenity.
“The Lake Isle of Innisfree” is a place of refuge and solace.
The Lake Isle of Innisfree
By William Butler Yeats
I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.
And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet’s wings.
I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart’s core.
On The Road Book Club 
“The Lake Isle of Innisfree” is one of my favorite Yeats poems. If we can’t go to our idyll in real life for whatever reason, we can go there in our minds.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree wholeheartedly Liz! I learned this lesson during a very stressful meeting when I felt the walls closing in around me. I closed my eyes and somehow found myself walking along Sunset Beach Park. I took a couple of deep breaths and I was refreshed. When I opened my eyes, I saw the meeting from a different, more authentic, perspective.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I wish I could have done that. My usual reaction to extremely stressful meetings was teeth-grinding or crying. Not professional at all . . .
LikeLiked by 2 people
Such a lovely setting for your reading, Rebecca. This poem was always a favorite, and Yeats’ “bee-loud glade” is one of the best poetic phrases ever.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I agree, Mary Jo. Those 3 words create a vision of pure joy. I have been reading a little of W.B. Yeat’s biography lately (still more to read) and find that knowing more about his life has added clarity and understanding to his poetry. I continue to learn and learn and learn….
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Rebecca. The bees align with the micro-season…this week…spring insects!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Splendid! Happy St. Patrick’s Day for yesterday! 🍀
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am delighted that you joined me and William to celebrate St. Patrick’s day, Chris. Your visit and comments are very much appreciated
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well, St. Patrick’s Day has been and gone, but this lovely recitation is still here. Thank you Rebecca and WB Yeats!
LikeLiked by 2 people
🍀🎩🍀💰
LikeLiked by 3 people
Happy St. Paddy’s Day Rebecca! Lovely, peaceful post my friend.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Happy St. Paddy’s Day, Cindy!
May the luck of the Irish be with you on this St. Patrick’s Day. May your heart be filled with joy and your soul be filled with peace. May you find success in all your endeavors and may your dreams come true. May you always be surrounded by love, laughter, and good company. Sláinte!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeats is an incredible poet, Rebecca, and your recitation did justice to “The Lake Isle of Innisfree.” And the nature scenery behind you — wow!
LikeLiked by 4 people
I am delighted that you celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with W.B Yeats and me. I recited this poem during the pandemic lockdown when everything was swirling around and there were so many unknowns. Homecoming was a word that came to mind and stayed with me during those months.
Happy St. Patrick’s day, Dave! “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields.”
LikeLiked by 4 people
I’ve always loved that Irish blessing.
LikeLiked by 2 people