The Lake Isle of Innisfree

Poem with its Explanation

First Stanza

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,

And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made:

Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honeybee,

And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

Note

Explanation: In this stanza, the poet expresses his strong desire to leave his busy surroundings and go to Innisfree, a peaceful island. He imagines building a small, simple cabin made of natural materials like clay and sticks. He plans to grow beans for food and keep a beehive for honey so that he can live a self-sufficient life. The poet also wishes to live alone in nature, surrounded by the gentle sound of bees. This shows his longing for peace, simplicity, and closeness to nature, away from the noise and stress of city life.

Second Stanza

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow

Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;

There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,

And evenings full of the linnet's wings.

Note

Explanation: In this stanza, the poet describes the deep peace he expects to find at Innisfree. He believes that peace comes slowly and naturally in the calm environment of nature. The quiet morning appears soft and misty, and the gentle sound of crickets adds to the peaceful atmosphere. The poet beautifully describes different times of the day on the island. At midnight, everything shines softly, creating a magical feeling. During noon, the surroundings glow warmly with rich colors, and in the evening, birds called linnets fill the sky with movement and life. Through these images, the poet shows that nature provides constant beauty, calmness, and happiness.

Third Stanza

I will arise and go now, for always night and day

I hear the lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;

While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,

I hear it in the deep heart's core.

Note

Explanation: In this stanza, the poet again expresses his strong desire to go to Innisfree. He says that both day and night he can hear the gentle sound of lake water touching the shore. This sound exists in his imagination and continuously calls him towards nature. Even while standing on busy roads and dull grey pavements of the city, the memory of Innisfree remains alive in his heart. The peaceful sound of the lake is felt deeply within him, showing how much he longs for calmness and natural beauty. This stanza highlights the contrast between the noisy city life and the peaceful world of nature. It shows that true peace lives in the poet's heart, and he deeply wishes to return to that natural harmony.

Glossary

1. Wattles: Twisted sticks for making fences, Walls
2. Glade: Clearing; Open space
3. Linnet: A small brown and grey bird with a short beak

Complete Poem Summary

In The Lake Isle of Innisfree, the poet W. B. Yeats expresses his deep desire to escape from busy city life and live peacefully in nature. He dreams of going to Innisfree, a quiet island, where he can build a small cabin and live a simple, self-sufficient life by growing food and keeping bees.

The poet believes that true peace can be found only in nature. He imagines the calm beauty of the island --- peaceful mornings, shining nights, colourful afternoons, and evenings filled with the movement of birds. Nature appears slow, gentle, and soothing compared to the stressful and noisy city environment.

Even though the poet is physically standing in the city surrounded by grey roads and pavements, his mind and heart remain connected to Innisfree. The soft sound of lake water stays alive in his memories and continuously calls him back towards nature.

Overall, the poem shows the human longing for peace, simplicity, and emotional comfort that nature provides. It tells us that sometimes, even when we cannot escape physically, nature can live within our hearts and give us inner calm.