Hello my fellow readers. Today we are starting a new meme called MONDAY POEM, where I will be posting poems that I find influential, inspirational, beautiful or simply too weird to ignore. During my studies of English literature, I was introduced to so many wonderful and meaningful poems that shaped my love for the written word and things surrounding me. So every Monday I will suggest a poem for you, dear readers, provide a little information about the author and give my thoughts about it. I really hope that every Monday you will fall in love with a new poem together with me :)
Today we are reading
A POISON TREE by WILLIAM BLAKE
Let's get to know William Blake:
William Blake (28 November 1757 – 12 August 1827) was an English poet and painter. During his lifetime he wasn't appreciated but now is considered to be one of the most influential poets of the Romantic age. What I find most interesting about Blake is that he claimed to have seen visions, in fact according to sources all his paintings were the representations of his vision, later on poems as well. I enjoy the depth his poems goes too, the themes he touches upon, such as: cycle of everything, sexuality, innocence or experience. I find his works simple to read and understand.
A Poison Tree
I was angry with my friend;
I told my wrath, my wrath did end
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not, my wrath did grow.
And I watered it in fears.
Night & morning with my tears:
And I sunned it with smiles,
And with soft deceitful wiles.
And it grew both day and night.
Till it bore an apple bright.
And my foe beheld it shine,
And he knew that it was mine.
And into my garden stole,
When the night had veiled the pole;
In the morning glad I see;
My foe outstretched beneath the tree.
I believe this poem carries a very simple message and idea of how far can a man's hate and wrath go. It's true isn't it? When you get angry with someone, it usually goes two ways: if you tell the person you're upset or angry you talk it over and it's done, but if you keep that anger inside it slowly grows and forms into hate that usually leads to you not feeling happy anymore. I think this is the main message this poems carries, that your hate gives fruit and usually someone ends up hurt. Also I like the gothic vibe it has. It's so Edgar Allan Poe to me. I love this poem with all my gothic dark theme loving heart! This is truly one of my most favorite poems of all time, I know it by heart and it's number one poem in my book where I write down my most beloved poems.
p.s. I would also like to point out that this poem is featured in the hot TV show The Originals, and I think it works on so many levels! (I also love The Originals :D ).
What did you think of A POISON TREE?
