Kanva on Himself by W.B. Yeats
The poem explores themes of existence, memory, and the cyclical nature of life. The speaker addresses a self-reflective persona, questioning the reasons behind their sorrow and tears. It suggests a deep awareness of past experiences, both joyful and sorrowful, emphasizing a rich tapestry of life lived through various incarnations. The imagery evokes a sense of timelessness, referencing ancient rulers and the opulence of their lives, contrasting it with the inevitability of decay and the passage of time. The speaker challenges the persona to confront their fears of mortality and the relentless march of time, suggesting that these experiences are universal and shared across lifetimes. The poem encourages a celebration of life through art and expression, urging the persona to rise above despair and engage with the beauty of existence. It posits that the essence of life remains constant, regardless of the changes that time brings. The call to create and to embrace the present moment serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of human experience, suggesting that while individual lives may be transient, the emotions and passions that define them are eternal. Ultimately, the work reflects on the interconnectedness of past and present, urging a recognition of the richness of life and the importance of artistic expression as a means to transcend the limitations of time and mortality.
By W.B. Yeats · First published 1938 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Romanticism · 204 words
First lines
Now wherefore hast thou tears innumerous?
Hast thou not known all sorrow and delight Wandering of yore in forests rumorous, Beneath the flaming eyeballs of the night, And as a slave been wakeful in the halls Of Rajas and Mahrajas beyond number?
Hast thou not ruled among the gilded walls?
Hast thou not known a Raja's dreamless slumber?
What this Textopian page supports
Kanva on Himself is listed on Textopian as a poem by W.B. Yeats, dated 1938 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: W.B. Yeats
- Date: 1938 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism, Spiritual Poetry
- Length: 204 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal expression and emotional depth, typical of lyric poetry.
- Philosophical Poetry — The themes explore existential questions about life, death, and the passage of time.
- Romanticism — The poem reflects Romantic ideals, emphasizing emotion, nature, and individual experience.
- Symbolism — The use of vivid imagery and symbols to convey deeper meanings aligns with Symbolist poetry.
Tags
Autobiography · Memoir · Poetic Prose · Self-Portrait · Literary Criticism · Philosophy · Spirituality · Mysticism · Eastern Philosophy · Western Philosophy · Existentialism · Absurdism