Poem Analysis - Song Memory Hither Come

Introduction: A Dance of Delight and Despair

William Blake's "Song: Memory, Hither Come" is a delicate exploration of contrasting emotions, a dance between joyous recollection and somber reflection. The poem begins with an invitation to memory to evoke happiness, then subtly shifts into a contemplation of sadness. The tone starts with lightheartedness but gradually descends into a pensive melancholy. This transition highlights the complex relationship between memory, joy, and the acceptance of sorrow as an intrinsic part of life's experience. The poem's beauty lies in its simple language and the vivid imagery it creates, drawing the reader into a world where happiness and sadness coexist.

Memory's Dual Nature: Joy and Sorrow

One of the central themes of the poem is the dual nature of memory. The poem begins with a plea for memory to bring forth "merry notes," suggesting that memory is initially viewed as a source of joy and pleasure. The opening stanzas evoke a sense of idyllic happiness, with images of music floating on the wind and lovers dreaming by the stream. However, the final stanza marks a distinct shift as the speaker anticipates a journey "To places fit for woe," embracing "silent Melancholy." This contrast illustrates that memory is not solely a repository of happy moments but also a wellspring of sadness and reflection. The speaker acknowledges and accepts both aspects, suggesting that a full understanding of life requires an engagement with both joy and sorrow.

The Stream as a Symbol of the Subconscious

The stream serves as a recurring and potent symbol within the poem. Initially, it is a place where "sighing lovers dream," suggesting a connection to romance and perhaps even the subconscious. The speaker intends to "fish for fancies as they pass / Within the watery glass," hinting at an attempt to capture fleeting thoughts and emotions from the depths of their mind. Later, the stream becomes a source from which the speaker will "drink," implying a desire to absorb and internalize these experiences. Therefore, the stream represents not only the passage of time but also the flow of consciousness and the intangible nature of thoughts and emotions. Is the "watery glass" a mirror reflecting back the speaker's own sadness? Or is it a window into the shared sorrow of humanity?

The Linnet's Song: Brief Moments of Beauty

The image of the linnet's song contributes to the poem's exploration of fleeting beauty and moments of peace. Sandwiched between reflections of dreams and an ending of melancholic walks, this brief image represents a momentary escape from the deeper, heavier emotions. It offers a contrast to the more profound themes of memory and sorrow, highlighting the significance of cherishing simple joys in the face of life's complexities. The linnet's song is a reminder that even amidst melancholy, there are still moments of beauty and tranquility to be found. This small image reinforces the poem's overall theme: to balance joy and sorrow.

Conclusion: Embracing the Full Spectrum of Emotion

In conclusion, "Song: Memory, Hither Come" is a concise yet evocative poem that explores the multifaceted nature of memory and emotion. Through its contrasting imagery and subtle shifts in tone, Blake creates a powerful meditation on the coexistence of joy and sorrow. The poem suggests that a fulfilling life requires an acceptance of both, with memory serving as the bridge between these seemingly disparate states. By embracing the full spectrum of human emotion, the speaker ultimately finds a deeper understanding of themself and the world around them. The poem's significance lies in its ability to remind us of the importance of acknowledging and integrating both the light and the darkness within our own experiences.