The Shepherd by William Blake
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The
Shepherd
By
William Blake
How sweet is the shepherd's sweet lot!
From the morn to the evening he strays;
He shall follow his sheep all the day,
And his tongue shall be filled with praise.
For he hears the lambs' innocent call,
And he hears the ewes' tender reply;
He is watchful while they are in peace,
For they know when their shepherd is nigh.
“The shepherd” is
a short yet profound poem that appeared in Blake’s collection of poems “Songs
of Innocence” published in 1789. The poem exemplifies Blake’s exploration of
innocence and pastoral themes, reflecting his vision of a harmonious
relationship between humanity and nature. The poem captures the shepherd’s
harmonious existence, attentiveness to the calls of lambs and ewes and the
profound trust between the shepherd and flock. Blake’s lyrical verses resonate
with themes of innocence, watchfulness, and a deeper, metaphysical appreciation
for the pastoral landscape. The poem stands as a timeless ode to the beauty
found in a serene and interconnected natural world.
First Stanza
The poem opens
with an exclamation, emphasizing the simplicity and joy inherent in a shepherd’s
life. The repetition of ‘sweet’ underscores the purity and bliss of this
existence. The shepherd wanders from morning till evening without any
restriction. The word stray here implies a relaxed, unhurried movement through
out the day filled with freedom and contentment. The shepherd’s primary task is
to look after his sheep, indicating a role of guidance and protection. The constancy
of all the day reflects dedication and vigilance. He is so full of contentment
that he is always praising. This could be seen as praise for his life, his
flock and the natural world or praise to the Almighty for this blessed life. It
aligns with Blake’s themes of innocence and spiritual fulfillment.
Second Stanza
Lambs are symbols
of innocence and purity. The shepherd’s ability to hear their call emphasizes
his attunement to their needs and his nurturing nature. He also hears ewe’s
reply which shows the bond between the shepherd and his sheep and the deep connection
they share. It also highlights mutual care and communication. The shepherd
maintains vigilance to ensure the safety and tranquillity of his flock. This illustrates
his sense of responsibility and love for his flock. Due to his vigilance, the flock
remains calm and peaceful because they know that the shepherd is nearby. Their relationship
is based on trust and reassurance which is a recurring theme in Blake’s “Songs
of Innocence”.
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