Nurses Song from "Songs of Experience" by William Blake (text and explanation)
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Nurses Song (Songs of Experience)
By William Blake
“When
the voices of the children are heard on the green,
And
whisperings are in the dale,
The
days of my youth rise fresh in my mind,
My face
turns green and pale
“Then
come home, my children, the sun is gone down,
And
the dews of night arise;
Your
spring and your day are wasted in play,
And
your winter and night in disguise.”
The
poem was first published in William Blake’s collection of poems “Songs of
Experience” in 1794. It is a sister poem of the same name published in “Songs
of Innocence”. However, we find a sharp contrast in the behaviour of the nurse
found in “Songs of Innocence”. Here, the nurse does not enjoy the children’s
play, instead, she seemed to resent the way the children remind her of her own
childhood. The poem takes on a more cynical and resigned tone, reflecting the disillusionment
and loss of innocence.
First
Stanza
The
poem begins with the nurse hearing the joyous sounds of children playing in a
green field, similar to the imagery in the “Songs of Innocence” version.
However, instead of feeling content or nostalgic, the nurse is reminded of her
own youth, which now brings feelings of regret and sickness (“green and pale”).
The use of “green” can signify jealousy or sickness, while “pale” suggests a
loss of vitality.
Second
Stanza
The
nurse calls the children to come home, noting that the sun has set and the
night has come. This marks an end of their playtime. She admonishes the
children, suggesting that their time spent playing (representing their youth an
innocence) is a waste. The “spring and day” symbolize the prime of life and
innocence, while “winter and night “symbolize old age and death. “In disguise”
indicates that the harsh realities of life (represented by winter and night) are
hidden and not yet apparent to the children.
Conclusion
The
poem reflects Blake’s exploration of the dual states of human
existence-innocence and experience. There is certainly move from one to the
other, often accompanied by disillusionment and a sense of loss.
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