Some burn damp faggots, others may consume The entire combustible world in one small room As though dried straw, and if we turn about The bare chimney is gone black out Because the work had finished in that flare. Soldier, scholar, horseman, he, As 'twere all life's epitome. What made us dream that he could comb grey hair?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Yeats reflects on a man who burned through life intensely, leaving nothing behind but a blackened chimney.
- In plain terms
- Some people consume their whole world quickly and leave no trace.
- What can you take from it?
- Intense living may leave little lasting legacy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a life memorable?
- How quickly does fame fade?
Another view
The metaphor of the chimney may be obscure without specific context.
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