Introduction (Songs of Experience) : Summary
Introduction (Songs of Experience) is a notable literary work by William Blake. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Introduction (Songs of Experience).
Summary
The poem begins by asking us to listen to the voice of a wise poet. This wise poet is called the Bard. He can see the past, present, and future. He has heard the holy voice of God. So, the Bard is like a prophet.
The Bard is calling out to the human soul. He is asking humans to listen to his words. Because the human soul has gone far from truth and goodness. The Bard is sad and cries in the evening. He wants the soul to come back to the right path. Because the soul once had great power—power to guide the stars and bring back lost light.
Then, the Bard calls to the Earth. He asks the Earth to wake up and rise from the wet grass. Night is almost over, and a new morning is coming. He asks the Earth (or humanity) not to turn away again. He reminds her (the Earth) that the beauty of the stars and the sea has been given to her—but only for a short time, until the day breaks. This means that people must wake up and return to truth before it is too late.