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1865–1939

ON BEING ASKED FOR A WAR POEM

William Butler Yeats

I think it better that in times like these A poet keep his mouth shut, for in truth We have no gift to set a statesman right; He has had enough of meddling who can please

A young girl in the indolence of her youth, Or an old man upon a winter's night.

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ON BEING ASKED FOR A WAR POEM · William Butler Yeats · Poetry Cove