Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven
Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths,
Of night and light and the half-light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet;
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I would spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
Summary of Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven
- Understanding the Poem’s Context: William Butler Yeats first published “Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven” in 1901 and later included it in his 1904 collection The Wind Among the Reeds. Although the poem appears to be a simple love offering, it carries deeper layers of meaning that connect to Irish mythology and the socio‑political climate of the time. The name ‘Aedh’ itself evokes a figure from Irish legend, adding cultural depth.
- The Essence of the Poem: The poem depicts Aedh, a lover restrained by poverty, who longs to give his beloved celestial fabrics woven with gold and silver. Unable to offer material wealth, he presents something profoundly personal and precious—his dreams—and urges his beloved to tread softly upon them, aware of their fragility.
- Central Idea and Themes: At its core, the poem explores the tension between love, poverty, artistic creation, and imagination. It suggests that true wealth resides not in possessions but in the richness of inner life. Many readers interpret the poem as an allegory for Ireland, a land full of cultural heritage yet beset by political and economic hardship. Aedh’s dreams symbolize Ireland’s artistic and spiritual legacy, vulnerable to external forces.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven
Yeats skillfully employs a variety of literary devices to amplify the poem’s meaning and create a vivid, sensory experience for the reader.
- Imagery: The poem is saturated with visual imagery that appeals to the senses. Phrases such as “heavens’ embroidered cloths” and “golden and silver light” conjure a scene of ethereal beauty and opulence. The line “The blue and the dim and the dark cloths / Of night and light and the half-light” presents a full spectrum of visual experience, evoking the entirety of day and night and the subtle shades in between. This imagery underscores Aedh’s yearning to offer something complete and beautiful.
- Metaphor: The “cloths of heaven” serve as a powerful and extended metaphor for Aedh’s imagination and creative spirit. They symbolize everything he wishes he could give materially, yet ultimately he can offer—his dreams. Spreading these cloths under his beloved’s feet is a metaphor for offering his entire self, his hopes, and his artistic vision.
- Symbolism: The “dreams” are more than personal aspirations; they represent the cultural heritage and artistic potential of Ireland. The act of “treading softly” symbolizes the need to protect and nurture these fragile dreams, lest they be destroyed by indifference or oppression. The feet, as a symbol of impact, remind the beloved of her power to cherish or crush his offerings.
- Alliteration and Assonance: Yeats uses these sound devices to create musicality and emphasize particular words. The repetition of the ‘l’ sound in “light and the half-light” and the assonance in “poor I have only my dreams” contribute to the poem’s rhythmic quality and enhance its aesthetic appeal.
- Enjambment: By continuing a phrase or sentence from one line to the next, enjambment creates a sense of fluidity and momentum. For example, the continuation from “The blue and the dim and the dark cloths / Of night and light and the half-light” into “I would spread the cloths under your feet” mirrors Aedh’s eager desire and keeps the reader moving forward.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven
Beyond literary devices, Yeats employs specific poetic techniques that shape the poem’s rhythm, sound, and overall impact.
- Rhyme Scheme: The first stanza follows an ABAB pattern, while the second stanza repeats the word “dreams,” creating a subtle refrain that reinforces the central motif. This combination of rhyme and refrain gives the poem a cohesive musical structure.
- Stanza Form: The poem consists of two quatrains, each with four lines. This concise structure intensifies the poem’s emotional impact and keeps the reader’s focus on Aedh’s plea.
- Tone and Mood: The poem’s tone is wistful, yearning, and gently pleading. The mood blends romantic devotion with an undercurrent of sadness, a balance that leaves a lasting impression without overwhelming the reader.
- Use of First Person: The first‑person perspective (“I,” “my”) invites readers directly into Aedh’s emotional world, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of his vulnerability.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines are particularly poignant and can be used to express a gentle plea for consideration or to emphasize the fragility of dreams and aspirations.
I would spread the cloths under your feet;
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I would spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
These lines resonate with a universal message about the importance of nurturing creativity, respecting vulnerability, and recognizing the value of dreams, both personal and collective. They serve as a powerful reminder that even the most delicate dreams deserve to be cherished and protected.