Among School Children is a poem by W. B. Yeats that explores themes of aging, the passage of time, and the search for wisdom. The poet reflects on his own aging process as he visits a school, filled with children. While observing the innocence and energy of the children, Yeats compares their youth to his own old age. He is particularly struck by the contrast between their carefree lives and his own sense of physical decline.
The poem moves between Yeats’ thoughts on the physicality of youth and the deeper, more spiritual side of life. He recalls his youthful dreams, loves, and ideals but questions how they have changed with age. The poet also reflects on the idea of wisdom—whether it comes with age or is something that can be found in the purity of youth. He connects this meditation to the figure of the Greek philosopher Pythagoras, suggesting that true understanding may come not from age, but from a higher, spiritual perspective.
The poem ends on a note of deep reflection, leaving Yeats in awe of the mystery of life, aging, and wisdom, and the cycles that govern existence.

Fact | Description |
Title | Among School Children |
Author | W. B. Yeats |
Theme | Aging, wisdom, innocence, the passage of time, the contrast between youth and old age |
Symbolism | Children symbolize innocence, energy, and youth; aging represents the loss of physical vitality |
Published | 1927 |
Poem’s Structure | Lyrical, with reflections on life, aging, and wisdom |
Central Imagery | Children in a school, the contrast between youth and age, philosophical ideas |
Personal Reflection | Yeats reflects on his own aging, memories of youth, and questions about wisdom |
Philosophical Ideas | The nature of wisdom, the cycle of life, the connection between physical age and spiritual insight |
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