The
Little Boy Lost
By
William Blake
'Father,
father, where are you going?
O do not walk so fast!
Speak, father, speak to your little boy,
Or else I shall be lost.'
The
night was dark, no father was there,
The child was wet with dew;
The mire was deep, and the child did weep,
And away the vapour flew.
The
poem was first published in 1789 in “Songs of Innocence”. It consists of only eight lines and looks at a
terrifying situation a child is going through. The poem explores the themes of
innocence, abandonment, and divine protection.
First
Stanza
The
poem opens with a young boy addressing his father, expressing concern about
being left behind. The repetition of “father” emphasizes the boy’s sense of
urgency and fear. The plea “do not walk so fast” suggests that the father is
moving ahead without considering the boy’s ability to keep up, indicating a
physical and emotional distance between them. The boy continues his plea, asking
for verbal reassurance from his father. The boy’s request to the father to
speak highlights his need for guidance and comfort. The phrase “Or else I shall
be lost” conveys the boy’s vulnerability and dependence on his father for direction
and safety. It also implies both a literal and metaphorical potential for being
lost-in the dark night and in life without paternal guidance.
Second
Stanza
The
setting is described as dark, enhancing the sense of fear and isolation. The absence
of the father at this crucial moment heightens the child’s sense of abandonment.
“The child was wet with dew” suggests exposure to the elements, reinforcing the
boy’s physical discomfort and emotional distress. The “mire” or muddy ground symbolizes
the difficulties and obstacles the faces alone. His weeping underscores his
sense of helplessness and despair. “And away the vapour flew” is a more ambiguous
line. It could signify the fleeting nature of the father’s presence or the loss
of hope as the boy’s cries go unanswered. The “vapour” might also symbolize the
boy’s fading spirit or innocence in the face of abandonment.
The
poem is a poignant exploration of a child’s fear and abandonment. Blake uses
simple yet powerful imagery to convey deep emotional and spiritual themes, inviting
readers to reflect on the responsibilities of care givers and the innate
vulnerability of children. The poem’s structure and language evoke sympathy and
concern, paving the way for the resolution found in the “The Little Boy Found”
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