Poem Analysis - Nurses Song Innocence

A Moment of Peaceful Observation

William Blake's "Nurse's Song" from *Songs of Innocence* paints a serene picture of childhood joy and the gentle guidance of a caregiver. The poem begins with a sense of peaceful contentment, observing children at play in a natural setting. However, this tranquility is subtly disrupted by the call to return home, introducing a minor tension between freedom and responsibility. The poem ultimately resolves in a harmonious blend of both, leaving the reader with a warm impression of innocence and the simple pleasures of life.

The Nurse's Heart: Contentment and Care

One of the central themes of the poem is the nurse's emotional state, which is intrinsically linked to the children's happiness. The opening stanza establishes this connection: "When voices of children are heard on the green / And laughing is heard on the hill, / My heart is at rest within my breast / And everything else is still." This demonstrates that the nurse's inner peace is directly dependent on the joy and activity of the children under her care. The imagery of a "heart at rest" and "everything else is still" conveys a profound sense of tranquility and satisfaction derived from witnessing their uninhibited play.

The Tug-of-War Between Freedom and Security

The poem subtly explores the tension between freedom and security, a common theme in Blake's *Songs of Innocence*. The nurse's call, "Then come home my children the sun is gone down / And the dews of night arise," represents the responsible adult figure urging the children towards safety and rest. This contrasts with the children's playful resistance: "No no let us play, for it is yet day / And we cannot go to sleep." They cling to the joys of the moment, oblivious to the potential dangers of the approaching night. This brief exchange highlights the different perspectives of childhood and adulthood, the former focused on immediate gratification and the latter on long-term well-being.

Nature's Echo: A Symbol of Unfettered Joy

Nature plays a significant role in the poem, acting as a backdrop and a reflection of the children's uninhibited joy. The "green," the "hill," the "sun," and the "sheep" are all images of pastoral innocence and abundance. The concluding lines, "The little ones leaped & shouted & laugh'd / And all the hills echoed," are particularly powerful. The echoing hills symbolize the amplification of the children's happiness, suggesting that their joy is so pure and infectious that it resonates throughout the natural world. The image underscores the powerful and positive impact of youthful exuberance on the surrounding environment, further emphasizing the beauty and vitality of innocence.

A Timeless Portrait of Innocence

In conclusion, "Nurse's Song" offers a delicate portrayal of childhood innocence, the gentle guidance of a caregiver, and the harmony between humanity and nature. Through vivid imagery and a subtle exploration of the tension between freedom and responsibility, Blake creates a timeless snapshot of a moment of pure joy. The poem reminds us of the simple pleasures of life and the importance of nurturing the innocence and exuberance of youth. The echoing hills, in particular, leave a lasting impression, suggesting that the laughter and joy of children have the power to resonate far beyond their immediate surroundings, enriching the world at large.