Ultimately, "An Irish Airman Foresees His Death" is a poem about destiny. The airman at the center of the poem, who is likely involved in World War I, knows very well that he is going to die in the heat of battle. But how can he accept it?
Throughout the poem, author William Butler Yeats explores the airman's psyche. He contends with the man's motivations (or lack thereof) behind his participation in the war and his looming death. Initially, the airman says that he doesn't fight for the same reasons that other people do (the line "Those that I fight, I do not hate" shows this). Additionally, the airman feels no responsibility or love for the people he is tasked with defending. Ironically, the man doesn't fight for the collective (as one normally does when they fight); he fights the war for his own personal reasons.
Despite realizing that he will likely die in the upcoming conflict, the airman is motivated by a personal drive that transcends nationalistic or moral causes. He engages in battle only because he chooses to do so. This idea culminates in the line, "A lonely impulse of delight." This suggests that the true reason for the man engaging in the fight is for the thrill of it, the experience, and even to confront his own mortality.
"An Irish Airman Foresees His Death" is also a poem about life and death. The airman deals with the years "Behind" him with the years "In balance with this life, this death." Here, the airman's thought shows that he sees his potential life and imminent death as having equal value. Still, the poem argues that life is precious and fleeting and should be cherished.
