Spring

By William Blake

William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter, and visionary, whose work combines profound spiritual themes with intense, often mystical imagery. Blake’s unique style blends poetry and visual art, making him a pioneer figure in Romantic literature and art. His work, though underappreciated in his lifetime, is now celebrated for its originality and depth. “Spring” is a short lyric poem first published in his collection of poems “Songs of Innocence” in 1789. Similar to the other poems in the collection, the poem celebrates the importance of nature, childhood, and innocence. The poem can be seen as part of Blake’s larger critique of the industrialization and social injustices of his time, offering an idealized vision of a world in harmony with nature.

Text of the poem.

Sound the flute!

Now it’s mute

Birds 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 we welcome in the year.

First Stanza

In the opening stanza, Blake evokes the sounds and sights of spring. The ‘flute’ symbolizes the music of spring, which begins to play but then pauses, perhaps signifying the anticipation of the full arrival of spring. Birds, especially nightingale and lark, are joyous and sing both day and night, heralding the new season. The repetition of ‘merrily’ emphasizes the happiness and celebration associated with the arrival of spring.

Second Stanza

There is a shift in focus in the second stanza from the nightingale and lark who are symbols of joy and happiness to children and their reactions to spring. The little boy and girl are embodiments of innocence and happiness, reveling in the joys of the new season. The rooster’s crow and the children’s laughter symbolize the natural and joyful sounds that accompany spring. Again, the repetition of ‘merrily’ reinforces the theme of joy and celebration.

Third Stanza

In the final stanza, the poet addresses a lamb, which is an iconic symbol of purity and innocence often associated with spring. The interaction between the child and the lamb is tender and affectionate, underscoring the gentle and nurturing aspects of spring. The child’s invitation to the lamb to come closer and the request to touch and kiss it highlights the harmony and connection between humans and nature during this season. The closing ‘merrily’ once again underscores the joy and celebration of the new year brought by the spring. Overall, the poem is a lyrical celebration of the season, filled with imagery of nature, joy, and innocence. The repetition of joyous expressions throughout the poem emphasizes the universal happiness that spring brings to all living beings.