The Little Girl Lost

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. The poem is a part of Willam Blake’s famous collection of poems “Songs of Innocence” first published in 1794. It narrates Lovely Lyca’s journey from innocence in a perpetual summer to the dangerous desert. Seeking rest, she invokes divine protection. The poem is rich in symbolism and explores innocence and familial bonds.

Text of the Poem.

In futurity
I prophetic see.
That the earth from sleep.
(Grave the sentence deep)

Shall arise and seek
For her maker meek:
And the desert wild
Become a garden mild.

In the southern clime,
Where the summers prime
Never fades away;
Lovely Lyca lay.

Seven summers old
Lovely Lyca told,
She had wandered long.
Hearing wild birds song.

Sweet sleep come to me
Underneath this tree;
Do father, mother weep.–
“Where can Lyca sleep”.

Lost in desert wild
Is your little child.
How can Lyca sleep.
If her mother weep.

If her heart does ake.
Then let Lyca wake;
If my mother sleep,
Lyca shall not weep.

Frowning, frowning night,
O’er this desert bright.
Let thy moon arise.
While I close my eyes.

Sleeping Lyca lay:
While the beasts of prey,
Come from caverns deep,
View’d the maid asleep

The kingly lion stood
And the virgin view’d:
Then he gambolled round
O’er the hallowed ground:

Leopards, tygers play,
Round her as she lay;
While the lion old,
Bow’d his mane of gold,

And her bosom lick,
And upon her neck,
From his eyes of flame,
Ruby tears there came;

While the lioness
Loos’d her slender dress,
And naked they convey’d
To caves the sleeping maid.

Explanation

In this stanza, Blake sets a prophetic and visionary tone. “Futurity” refers to the future. He sees a vision of the earth awakening from a deep sleep, suggesting a transformation or awakening in nature or humanity. The phrase “Grave the sentence deep” implies that this vision is of great importance and should be taken seriously.

Here, Blake continues his vision. The earth, once awakened, will seek its creator (“maker meek”) in a humble and gentle manner. The “desert wild” transforming into a “garden mild” symbolizes a shift from chaos or barrenness to peace and fertility, possibly hinting at a spiritual or societal renewal.

Blake introduces Lyca, the little girl, and places her in a beautiful, eternal summer setting in the “southern clime.” The use of “summer’s prime” suggests an idyllic and perfect state. “Lovely Lyca lay” indicates she is resting or possibly lost in this enchanting environment. Lyca is seven years old and has been wandering for a long time, captivated by the songs of wild birds. This wandering can be seen as a metaphor for innocence exploring the world or a spiritual journey.

Lyca, feeling tired, seeks rest under a tree. She wonders if her parents are weeping for her, concerned about where she might find a safe place to sleep. This reflects a child’s innocent need for comfort and security. Blake emphasizes Lyca’s situation in the wild desert. The rhetorical question underscores the connection between the child’s peace and the parent’s sorrow, suggesting that parental concern affects the child’s well-being.

Lyca wishes that if her mother’s heart aches for her, she should wake her from sleep. Conversely, if her mother can find peace (sleep), then Lyca will not weep, indicating a deep bond of empathy and concern between the child and her parents. As night falls over the bright desert, Lyca asks for the moon to rise, providing light and comfort in the darkness. This symbolizes hope and guidance in difficult times as she prepares to sleep.

In this stanza, the imagery shifts to a more ominous tone. Lyca is sleeping peacefully while dangerous animals (beasts of prey) emerge from their hiding places (caverns deep) and observe her. This suggests vulnerability and the presence of potential danger. However, instead of attacking, the lion, a symbol of power and majesty, watches Lyca and then playfully gambols around her, suggesting a protective and almost reverent attitude towards the innocent child.

The other wild animals (leopards, tigers) also join in playing around Lyca, and the old lion bows his majestic mane. This imagery conveys a sense of harmony and respect for innocence, implying that even the wildest of creatures recognize and protect purity. The lion licks her bosom and neck, a gesture of care and affection. The “ruby tears” from his eyes of flame suggest a deep emotional response, indicating a profound connection between the natural world and Lyca’s innocence.

The lioness gently removes her dress and, together with the lion, they carry Lyca to their cave. This act of undressing and carrying her to a safe place symbolizes a nurturing and protective gesture, almost maternal in nature. The final stanza transitions to a peaceful and content atmosphere. The voices of children playing and laughing signify joy and innocence, bringing a sense of peace and rest. This harmony contrasts with the earlier tension, suggesting a return to or hope for an idyllic state where innocence is cherished and protected.