This is a sweet and funny poem from your Class 10 English book First Flight, in Chapter 11. It is by William Butler Yeats. The poem is like a chat between a boy and a girl. It makes you laugh and think about what real love means. I will explain it all in easy words, like telling a bedtime story to a little brother. Let's start!
About the Author
William Butler Yeats was born in 1865 in Ireland and lived until 1939. He is one of the best poets from Ireland. He wrote many poems, plays, and stories about love, magic, and old Irish tales. People called him a dreamer because his words paint pictures in your mind. He got a big prize called the Nobel for his writing in 1923. Yeats loved nature and simple feelings, like the joy of yellow flowers or a girl's smile. His poems make you feel happy and wise.
What’s the Story About?
This poem is not a long tale with adventures. It is a short talk, like two friends sitting under a tree. A young boy looks at a girl named Anne Gregory. She has bright yellow hair like the color of honey or a mouse's soft fur. The boy thinks her hair is so pretty that it is why he loves her. He says nothing else about her matters – just that golden hair!
But Anne is smart. She laughs and says, "Never think that! I can wash my hair with colors." She can make it black like a crow's wing, or brown like a nut, or even green or red if she wants. She uses something called dye to change the color fast. So, the boy is wrong – her hair is not the real reason for love.
The boy gets surprised. He thinks for a bit and says, "Ah, but only God can love you for your true self, not just your looks." It is like he admits that people see outside things, but God sees your heart. The poem ends there, leaving you with a smile. It shows how boys and girls tease each other about love, but deep down, it is about being real.
Picture it: A sunny day, Anne with her hair shining like gold. The boy stares and says silly things. Anne giggles and fixes him with her words. It is fun and makes you nod your head.
Who’s Who in the Story
The poem has just two main people. They talk back and forth like in a play.
- The Young Man (The Speaker): This is the boy or poet talking first. He is dreamy and thinks Anne's yellow hair is the best thing ever. He is honest but a bit foolish at the start.
- Anne Gregory: The clever girl with yellow hair. She is quick to reply and shows she knows more about love. She is like a smart sister who teases her brother.
No other people – just these two and their fun chat.
Themes and Moral
The poem has easy big ideas that you can see in daily life:
- True Love: Love should be for who you are inside, not just how you look. Hair color can change, but your heart stays the same.
- Teasing and Fun: Boys and girls joke about small things like looks, but it hides deeper feelings.
- God's Love: Only something big like God can love you fully, without caring about outside changes.
Moral: Don't judge by looks – like hair or clothes. See the good in someone's heart. It will make friendships and love stronger and happier.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some simple words and lines from the poem. I explained them like whispering to a playmate. They are easy to say and remember!
- Honey-pale: Light yellow like fresh honey from a bee's nest. (Sweet and glowing, like sunshine on butter.)
- Mouse-grey: Soft gray color like a little mouse's fur. (Quiet and gentle, not too bright.)
- Dye: A color liquid to change hair or cloth. (Like paint for your head – wash it on, and poof, new color!)
- Raven-black: Deep black like a big black bird called a raven. (Shiny dark, like night sky without stars.)
- Hazel shell: Light brown like the outside of a hazelnut. (Warm and nutty, like a cozy blanket color.)
- Never dream: Don't even think or wish for something silly. (Like telling a friend, "Stop imagining that funny story!")
- Forth in the world: Out in the open places, like parks or streets. (Going outside to play or meet people.)
Try this: "Her hair is honey-pale, but she can dye it raven-black!" Say it loud – it sounds like the poem. Keep reading, and you will love how words dance!