William Carlos Williams

Peace on Earth

Peace on Earth - meaning Summary

Cosmic Hunt as Lullaby

Williams presents a lullaby-like poem that imagines constellations as living creatures engaged in a nightly hunt. Repeated refrains reassure a sleeping listener while vivid celestial images—archer, swan, bears, serpent, Orion—mix motion and menace with glints of gold on blue. The poem balances wonder and latent violence, turning the heavens into both spectacle and protector, promising safety until morning.

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The Archer is wake! The Swan is flying! Gold against blue An Arrow is lying. There is hunting in heaven-- Sleep safe till tomorrow. The Bears are abroad! The Eagle is screaming! Gold against blue Their eyes are gleaming! Sleep! Sleep safe till tomorrow. The Sisters lie With their arms intertwining; Gold against blue Their hair is shining! The Serpent writhes! Orion is listening! Gold against blue His sword is glistening! Sleep! There is hunting in heaven-- Sleep safe till tomorrow.

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