William Butler Yeats is considered to be one of the greatest twentieth century writers (Considering that he was awarded the Noble Peace Prize). He hails from Ireland and wrote mostly physical/realistic poetry. Lake Isle of Innisfree is said to be about a place where Yeats spent his childhood summers, but more than that, it is about a place where one can escape (either mentally or physically). Especially when confronted with such morbid topics such as mortality and death, it is always pertinent to have a place where one can feel safe and get away, even if it is only for a moment. While going through life, one will always feel the need to step back from it all, whether it is somewhere peaceful and serene in nature, or on the couch in front of the TV. Yeats is able to elaborate on a crucial way we all maintain our sanity.

Lake Isle of Innisfree

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 honey-bee;
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

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 evening full of the linnet’s wings.

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

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