Bed Quote by William Butler Yeats
“The old priest Peter Gilligan Was weary night and day; For half his flock were in their beds, Or under green sods lay.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Old Priest” by William Butler Yeats, 1914
A weary priest watches over his flock, some asleep, some buried, reflecting on duty and mortality.
In simple terms: A priest feels tired caring for his people, some alive, some dead.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the weight of caring for others.
Themes
duty
mortality
compassion
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- pastoral care
- grief counseling
- community leadership
Key Concepts
existentialism
spiritual fatigue
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal rest with caring for others?
- What does “green sods” symbolize?
A Different Perspective
The quote idealizes the priest’s role, overlooking personal limits.
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