Spring by William Blake: “Spring” is one of the seminal works by renowned English poet William Blake, first published in his collection “Songs of Innocence” in 1789. The poem employs Blake’s characteristic use of simple language, vivid imagery, and thematic exploration of innocence, nature, and spirituality.
Spring by William Blake
Sound the flute!
Now it’s mute!
Bird’s delight,
Day and night,
Nightingale,
In the dale,
Lark in sky,–
Merrily,
Merrily merrily, to welcome in the year.
Little boy,
Full of joy;
Little girl,
Sweet and small;
Cock does crow,
So do you;
Merry voice,
Infant noise;
Merrily, merrily, to welcome in the year.
Little lamb,
Here I am;
Come and lick
My white neck;
Let me pull
Your soft wool;
Let me kiss
Your soft face;
Merrily, merrily, to welcome in the year.
Analysis
Theme and Tone
“Spring” encompasses the themes of childhood innocence, joy, rebirth, and the beauty of nature. The tone is joyous and celebratory, embodying the vitality and exuberance associated with springtime. The repetitive use of the word “Merrily” underscores this sense of joy and celebration.
Structure and Form
The poem is comprised of three stanzas, each expressing a different perspective of the arrival of spring. The first stanza represents the natural world, the second human life (particularly children), and the third introduces an interaction between a human (possibly a child) and a lamb, symbolizing innocence and purity.
Imagery and Symbolism
Blake uses vibrant imagery and symbolism throughout the poem. The flute, birds, nightingale, and lark symbolize the music of nature, heralding the arrival of spring. The boy, girl, and cock (rooster) reflect human life and its connection to nature’s cycles. The lamb, a common symbol in Blake’s poetry, represents innocence and gentleness.
The actions in the poem, like the lamb licking the speaker’s neck or the speaker kissing the lamb’s face, create an intimate interaction between humanity and nature, highlighting innocence and mutual trust.
Rhythm and Rhyme
“Spring” is characterized by its rhythmic quality, much like a song or nursery rhyme, enhancing the sense of innocence and cheer. The rhyme scheme is simple and regular, typically following an ABCB pattern, further contributing to the musical quality of the poem.
In conclusion, “Spring” by William Blake is a celebration of the season of renewal, expressing joy and innocence through vivid imagery and lyrical language. It underlines the harmony between nature and human life, emphasizing their interconnectedness and mutual delight in the arrival of spring.