6. Unchanging truths: the two contrary states of the human soul

Blake’s wonderful poetic sequence, Songs of Innocence and Experience stands as a beautifully concise, thought-provoking and memorable way to show the intermingling of both human and natural beauty and brutality.

His Lamb and Tyger are perhaps the most well-known examples of this. I used his simple quatrains to offer my take on these universal themes.

From Innocence

“… The snow of blossoming cherry trees,
Far-stretching shadows, numberless,
Pure white of wood anemones,
All signify a blessedness.

At night, the badger from his den,
Clad in reverend black and white,
Sniffs the warm night air, and then
Roams free – a rare and wondrous sight…”

From Experience

“…. Branches spread as they’re competing,
Each against other, for the light,
While the birds’ relentless tweeting
Warns their rivals to take flight…

A tiny velvet vole lies dead,
Victim of the badger’s greed;
Tooth marks on his helpless head
Show how all kill for what they need.”

Next: Unchanging truths: parting