From his early Romantic poems to his later more visionary verse ensnared in occult and spritual symbolism, Yeats body of work is indispensable for any student of poetry. A cornerstone of Ireland's literary tradition. ( )

My Romantic Heart still skips a beat when I pick up this book. My very first True Love was also a fan of Yeats and we spent many a day and many a night together with this book. In the words (almost) of another poet and influence on my life at the time:

First girl I loved, time has come I will sing you this sad goodbye song, When I was seventeen, I used to know you. You're probably married now, kids and all, and you turned into a grownup, female, stranger. And if I was lying near you now, I'd just have to fall.

Well, I never slept with you though we must have made love a thousand times.
For we were just young, didn't have no place to go, but in the wide hills and beside many a long water you have gathered flowers, and they do not smell for me.

Well, I want you to know, I just had to go. I want you to know, we just had to grow.
So it's goodbye first love, and I hope you're fine. Well, I have a sweet woman, maybe some day to have babies by me, she's pretty. She’s a true friend of mine.

(Apologies to Robin Williamson. I’m sure he won’t mind… since I’m the most Scottish guy he’s ever met!) ( )