Welsh Journals

POETRY LIKE THE HAWTHORN (On the Death ofW. B. Yeats, 28th January, 1939). "The philosophical content of this poetry .(Yeats's) is neither consistent nor systematic. The poet was not a creative thinker, and his genius drew from many sources and influences, lacking a supreme originality. Here, in fact, is an intellectualism, which stands a little apart from the classic English tradition." Let the only consistency In the course. of my poetry Be like that of the hawthorn tree Which in early Spring breaks Fresh emerald, then by nature's law Darkens and deepens and takes Tints of purple-maroon, rose-madder. and straw. Sometimes these hues are found Together, in pleasing harmony bound. Sometimes they succeed each other. But through All the changes in which the hawthorn is dight, No matter in what order, one thing is true The haws shine ever the more ruddily bright And when the leaves have passed Or only in a few tatters remain The tree to the winter condemned Stands forth at last, Not bare and drab and pitiful, But a candelabrum of oxidised silver gemmed By innumerable points of ruby Which dominate the whole and are visible Even at considerable distance As flame-points of living fire. That so it may be With my poems too at last glance Is my only desire.