Title: Nurse’s Song
Author: William Blake
Publication: In Blake’s collection, Songs of Innocence, in 1789
Form: Four four-line stanzas
Rhyme Scheme: Each stanza follows the ABCB rhyme scheme, meaning lines 2 and 4 rhyme together.
Symbols:
- Birds - Freedom
- Sheep - Innocence
Important Note: In this poem, nurse means nannay (who takes care of the children). In “Nurse’s Song” from Songs of Innocence, the nurse is a kind person. She feels happy and peaceful as she sees children play and laugh. Through this kind nurse, Blake depicts a world that gives importance to the innocence, freedom, and happiness of childhood. The poet suggests children should grow up with freedom and happiness. In “Nurse’s Song” from “Songs of Experience” (1794), Blake depicts a dark world. In that poem, the nurse describes children’s play as a waste of time.