Interpretation of poem "The Lamentation of Old Pensioner"

The poem, the lamentation of the old pensioner, written by a popular Irish poet and playwright, W.B Yeats is a nostalgic (regretful / reflective) poem where the poet laments over his present ugly, old, retired and neglected condition.  Understanding a long journey of life through ups and downs, the poet now feels tired, upset and heading a neglected life in his old age .The poet presents the reminiscence of his romantic young life which gives him pain when ho looks at his present condition and contrasts his time of youth with his state in old age.

W.B Yeats presents the story about his past life of his eventful young age and contrasts them with his present irritating old life in the poem. The retired old man is neglected by all and takes shelter under a broken tree. The old man was handsome, adventurous and happy in his youth. He used to talk about love and politics and many beautiful women were his beloved. But all these things are only in the memory in his old age. ....Show More

The poem, the lamentation of the old pensioner, written by a popular Irish poet and playwright, W.B Yeats is a nostalgic (regretful / reflective) poem where the poet laments over his present ugly, old, retired and neglected condition.  Understanding a long journey of life through ups and downs, the poet now feels tired, upset and heading a neglected life in his old age .The poet presents the reminiscence of his romantic young life which gives him pain when ho looks at his present condition and contrasts his time of youth with his state in old age.

W.B Yeats presents the story about his past life of his eventful young age and contrasts them with his present irritating old life in the poem. The retired old man is neglected by all and takes shelter under a broken tree. The old man was handsome, adventurous and happy in his youth. He used to talk about love and politics and many beautiful women were his beloved. But all these things are only in the memory in his old age. Nobody loves and cares for him now. He has become a subject of hatred for his friends, relatives and lovers. He becomes very sad and full of pain when he remembers his happy youth.

The poet curses the time which is the main cause of all the loss. He condemns the time because the time has transfigured him from a handsome, romantic, attractive young man to a neglected ugly old retired person just like a broken tree. Spitting on the face of the time , the old pensioner condemns time as time is the only factor responsible for his present miserable condition of the old man.