Poem Analysis - A Cradle Song

A Lullaby of Divine Affection and Earthly Sorrow

Yeats's "A Cradle Song" is a short, tender poem that blends images of heavenly blessing with the bittersweet reality of parenthood. The poem's tone is initially one of serene peace, filled with comforting images of angels and a joyful God. However, this heavenly scene gradually shifts towards a more personal and melancholic reflection on the inevitable passage of time and the parent's coming loss. The poem delicately balances divine joy with human sorrow, creating a poignant meditation on the preciousness of childhood.

Historical Context is Not Applicable

There does not appear to be any immediately pertinent historical context for this poem beyond the universality of parental love. Therefore, we will proceed with analysing the themes presented in the poem.

The Divine Blessing of Innocence

One of the main themes explored in "A Cradle Song" is the divine blessing bestowed upon the innocent child. The poem opens with powerful imagery of angels watching over the baby ("The angels are stooping / Above your bed") and God rejoicing in their goodness ("God's laughing in Heaven / To see you so good"). This imagery suggests that the child's purity has a direct connection to the divine realm. The "Sailing Seven," possibly a reference to a constellation or some other celestial body, being "gay with His mood" further reinforces the idea that the child's innocence inspires joy even in the heavens. The poem's language thus paints a picture of a child surrounded by celestial protection and divine affection.

The Inevitable Passage of Time

Another key theme is the passage of time and the associated sorrow of watching a child grow. This theme emerges in the third stanza, where the speaker's tone shifts from one of observation to one of personal reflection ("I sigh that kiss you"). The lines "For I must own / That I shall miss you / When you have grown" reveal the speaker's awareness that the child's current state of innocence and dependence is temporary. The sigh suggests a mixture of love and sadness, a recognition that the joy of the present moment is fleeting. This theme contrasts with the earlier heavenly joy, highlighting the tension between the eternal and the temporal.

The Symbolism of Sleep and Innocence

The poem employs several key symbols. Sleep itself is presented as a state of innocence and purity, a time when the child is most closely connected to the divine. The angels watching over the sleeping child suggest protection and guardianship during this vulnerable state. The image of the "whimpering dead" contrasted with the child further reinforces the idea of the child's unique purity and the contrast between life and death. The ambiguous image of "The Sailing Seven" may symbolize hope and guidance, navigating the vastness of life, influenced by God's joy in the child. An interesting, alternative interpretation of the poem would be to view the "whimpering dead" as representing the speaker's own past, a life before parenthood, highlighting the transformation that the speaker experienced as a parent.

A Poignant Reflection on Love and Loss

"A Cradle Song" is a beautifully concise poem that captures the complex emotions of parenthood. It portrays a child bathed in divine light, innocent and pure, while simultaneously acknowledging the bittersweet reality that this stage is temporary. The poem's significance lies in its ability to balance the joy of witnessing a child's innocence with the sorrow of knowing that time will inevitably bring change and separation. It serves as a poignant reminder to cherish the present moment and appreciate the fleeting beauty of childhood.