The Chimney Sweeper
July 6, 2023The Book of Urizen: Preludium
July 6, 2023The Chimney -sweeper
A little black thing in the snow,
Crying “weep! weep!” in notes of woe!
“Where are thy father and mother? Say!”–
“They are both gone up to the church to pray.
“Because I was happy upon the heath,
And smiled among the winter’s snow,
They clothed me in the clothes of death,
And taught me to sing the notes of woe.
“And because I am happy and dance and sing,
They think they have done me no injury,
And are gone to praise God and his priest and king,
Who make up a heaven of our misery.”
William Blake
William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter, and printmaker who is considered one of the most important figures of the Romantic era. He is best known for his poetry collections, "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of Experience," which explore themes of childhood, spirituality, and the human condition. Blake was also a visual artist, and his paintings and illustrations often feature the same themes as his poetry.