Apples of the Sun

"And pluck till time and times are done, the silver apples of the moon, the golden apples of the sun." - W. B. Yeats

From his lyrical poem, The Song of Wandering Aengus.

Yeats often drew inspiration from ancient Celtic stories, which reinvigorated interest in Irish mythology. His rich and beautiful poetry is layered with multiple meanings, but demonstrates an undeniable passion and yearning for harmony, beauty and spiritual ascendance.

In the original story, Aengus had a vision of a lovely maiden named Caer and spends many years lovesick in search of her. He finally finds her on the edge of a lake, but discovers that she's imprisoned by an enchantment that transforms her into a swan every other year. Without hesitation, Aengus jumps into the lake, choosing to be transformed into a swan as well rather than be parted. 

But in Yeats’ poem, Aengus has not yet found his love. He is “old with wandering.” And although he has only glimpsed her in a vision, he's committed to wandering forever in search of her. Perhaps Aengus’ yearning represents the yearning of not only lovers, but philosophers and poets as well - all of whom strive toward an elusive vision of the sublime. 

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