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Now as at all times I can see in the mind's eye, In their…

“Now as at all times I can see in the mind's eye, In their stiff, painted clothes, the pale unsatisfied ones Appear and disappear in the blue depth of the sky With all their ancient faces like rain- beaten stones, And all their helms of silver hovering.” quote by William Butler Yeats
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“Now as at all times I can see in the mind's eye, In their stiff, painted clothes, the pale unsatisfied ones Appear and disappear in the blue depth of the sky With all their ancient faces like rain- beaten stones, And all their helms of silver hovering.”

William Butler Yeats

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The poet imagines ancient, ghostly figures in the sky, symbolizing timeless, weathered humanity.

In simple terms: Ghostly ancient faces appear in the sky.

Key Takeaway

Reflect on enduring human spirit.

Themes

poetry myth transcendence

Mood

melancholic contemplative

Type

lyetic lyspirational

When to use this quote

  • art critique
  • creative writing
  • meditation on history

Key Concepts

imagery symbolism eternity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the sky represent?
  • How do ancient symbols influence modern identity?
A Different Perspective

Risk of romanticizing past suffering.

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