Irish Airman Foresees His Death is a poem by W.B. Yeats, written in 1919. The poem is a reflection on the death of Major Robert Gregory, a friend of Yeats and a pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War I. The poem begins with the airman reflecting on his life and his impending death. He is aware of the danger he faces, but he is not afraid. He is proud of his service and his courage, and he is determined to do his duty. He is also aware of the beauty of the world around him, and he is comforted by the thought that he will soon be reunited with his loved ones in the afterlife. The poem ends with the airman's last words: "An Irish Airman foresees his death." These words are a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who served in World War I, and of the ultimate price they paid for their service.
By W.B. Yeats · First published 1919 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Romanticism