Welcome to Poem of the Day – Nurse’s Song by William Blake.
“Nurse’s Song” is a poem written by William Blake, a celebrated British poet whose works are deeply embedded in the traditions of Romanticism and British poetry. This particular poem appears in Blake’s Songs of Innocence (1789), which presents a collection of poems that explore the themes of childhood, innocence, and the natural world. Through simple yet profound language, Blake reveals complex insights into the contrasts between innocence and experience, a recurring theme in his work. This essay offers a detailed analysis of “Nurse’s Song,” focusing on its themes, structure, and the broader implications of the poem.
Nurse’s Song Poem
When voices of children are heard on the green,
And laughing is heard on the hill,
My heart is at rest within my breast,
And everything else is still.
‘Then come home, my children, the sun is gone down,
And the dews of night arise;
Come, come, leave off play, and let us away,
Till the morning appears in the skies.’
‘No, no, let us play, for it is yet day,
And we cannot go to sleep;
Besides, in the sky the little birds fly,
And the hills are all covered with sheep.’
‘Well, well, go and play till the light fades away,
And then go home to bed.’
The little ones leaped, and shouted, and laughed,
And all the hills echoed.
Nurse’s Song Poem Explanation
“Nurse’s Song” is one of the key poems in Songs of Innocence, a collection that contrasts the purity and simplicity of childhood with the harsh realities of adult life. In the poem, a nurse observes children playing in the fields. As the evening progresses, the children express their desire to continue their play, despite the nurse’s suggestion that they return to the safety of their homes. Ultimately, the nurse relents, permitting the children to enjoy their last moments of daylight.
At its surface, the poem is a dialogue between a figure of authority and the children, but its deeper meaning encompasses the tension between the freedom of youth and the constraints of societal expectations. Blake uses this interaction to explore the innocence of childhood, the role of caregivers, and the natural rhythms of life.
Structure and Form of the Poem
“Nurse’s Song” follows a simple and rhythmic structure, characteristic of many of Blake’s poems. It consists of two stanzas, each with six lines, and the rhyme scheme is regular, following an AABBCC pattern. This structure mirrors the simple, almost childlike qualities of the poem, reinforcing its themes of innocence and youthful playfulness. The use of a conversational tone further highlights the idea of a dialogue between the nurse and the children, making it easy for readers to connect with the characters on an emotional level.
The simplicity of the poem’s form also contrasts with its thematic complexity, offering a glimpse into Blake’s skill as a British poet. While the language remains clear and direct, there is an underlying depth that invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of the poem’s message.
Themes of Innocence and Authority
The central theme of “Nurse’s Song” revolves around the idea of innocence, as represented by the children playing in the fields, and the nurturing, though sometimes restrictive, role of authority. The nurse, as a caregiver, is the voice of reason in the poem, initially suggesting that the children return home as the day fades. This moment of tension between freedom and restraint is an essential part of the poem’s dynamic.
The nurse’s initial reluctance to allow the children to continue playing represents the adult world’s tendency to impose restrictions on the innocent freedom of childhood. However, Blake’s poem does not portray the nurse as a villain. Instead, she embodies the complex duality of love and protection, which sometimes requires placing limits on youthful exuberance for the sake of safety.
The Nurse’s Change of Heart
The key turning point in the poem comes when the nurse changes her mind. After hearing the children’s joyful insistence that they are not yet tired and still want to play, the nurse relents, allowing them to continue. This shift is a significant moment, as it reflects Blake’s broader understanding of the relationship between innocence and experience. The nurse’s eventual acquiescence suggests that authority, when guided by compassion, can recognize and allow the natural flow of innocence. She allows the children to continue their play as the sun sets, signaling a harmonious resolution between freedom and care.
Conclusion
“Nurse’s Song” serves as a delicate exploration of childhood innocence and the often conflicting role of authority figures in protecting that innocence. Blake masterfully uses simple language and structure to convey deep philosophical insights into the nature of childhood, care, and the balance between freedom and constraint. Through the nurse’s final decision to permit the children to continue playing, the poem celebrates the untainted joy of youth while acknowledging the necessity of adult oversight. In this way, “Nurse’s Song” not only showcases Blake’s mastery of British poetry but also serves as a timeless reminder of the beauty and fragility of innocence.
