This week is a short but sweet poem from W.B Yeats. It is ranked number 78 in the top 100 Irish poems list.
This is actually one of Yeats earlier poems and its success comes from the sorrow and regret that runs throughout the poem.
The “Salley Gardens” were said to be located on the banks of the river at Ballysadare in Sligo, where locals grew trees to produce roof thatching materials.
Many singers and ensembles have performed the poem, which is usually adapted to the music of “The Maids of Mourne Shore.”
There is a huge list that you can find over on the Wikipedia page here.
Enjoy this great and short Irish poem by W. B Yeats.
Down By the Salley Gardens
Down by the salley gardens
my love and I did meet;
She passed the salley gardens
with little snow-white feet.
She bid me take love easy,
as the leaves grow on the tree;
But I, being young and foolish,
with her would not agree.
In a field by the river
my love and I did stand,
And on my leaning shoulder
she laid her snow-white hand.
She bid me take life easy,
as the grass grows on the weirs;
But I was young and foolish,
and now am full of tears.
That’s it. Told you it was a short and sweet top Irish poem. Did you enjoy this poem? Comment below.