Famous Family Poem

Published in Songs of Innocence in 1789, the poem tells of a Nurse who is watching her children playing out in the fields. She calls them to come in, but they protest, for to them it is still light and there is still time to play.
The poem fits in with the theme of innocence, as the children are oblivious to the dangers of playing outside late at night. The Nurse is of a jovial and warmhearted nature, and she allows the children to continue with their games.

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It's so great. I read this poem when I was in 7th grade. I love it so much.

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Famous Poem

Nurse's Song

William Blake By more William Blake

When the 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.

'Then come home, my children, the sun is gone down,
And the dews of night arise;
Come, come leave off play, and let us away
Till the morning appears in the skies.'

'No, no, let us play, for it is yet day,
And we cannot go to sleep;
Besides, in the sky the little birds fly,
And the hills are all cover'd with sheep.'

'Well, well, go and play till the light fades away,
And then go home to bed.'
The little ones leapèd, and shoutèd, and laugh'd
And all the hills echoèd.

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Has this poem touched you? Share your story!
  • Adnan Ahmed by Adnan Ahmed
  • 7 years ago

It's so great. I read this poem when I was in 7th grade. I love it so much.

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