Wine comes in at the mouth and love comes in at the eye; that's all we shall know for truth before we grow old and die

Wine comes in at the mouth and love comes in at the eye; that's all we shall know for truth before we grow old and die

William Butler Yeats, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, was known for his profound and thought-provoking verses that delved into the complexities of human emotions and experiences. In his poem "A Drinking Song," Yeats captures the essence of life's fleeting moments and the transient nature of love and pleasure.

The line "Wine comes in at the mouth and love comes in at the eye; that's all we shall know for truth before we grow old and die" encapsulates the idea that our understanding of truth is limited to the physical sensations of pleasure and love that we experience in our lifetime. Wine, a symbol of indulgence and pleasure, enters the body through the mouth, stimulating the senses and providing temporary gratification. Love, on the other hand, enters through the eye, captivating the heart and soul with its beauty and intensity.

Yeats suggests that these fleeting moments of pleasure and love are all we can truly know and understand before we reach the end of our lives. As we grow old and face the inevitability of death, our experiences of joy and love become the only truths that we can hold onto. The transient nature of these emotions reminds us of the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing each moment of happiness and connection.