William Blake

As I read through some of the poems constructed by English Romantic poet William Blake, I learn to appreciate him for his simplicity. When reading "A Poison Tree" I found that it was very easy to read and follow along. It alternates between iambic tetrameter and trochaic trimeter and employs a very simple AABB rhyme scheme. This gives the poem a very simple, nursery/"sing-songy" vibe, almost like this was meant for very young audience. This is very misleading as the theme of the poem (which can summed up by the following: without an outlet, anger that is cultivated by fears and lies can turn into a destructive wrath) is pretty dark and definitely not something you would want your four-year old meditating on. What is really impressive to me is that, despite "A Poison Tree" being a relatively simple and easy read, William Blake is still able to intertwine some complex and though-provoking themes and symbols which underlie his intended message. He is able to make a gloomy, dark tone work while still using a "nursery" rhythm. His simplicity may have stemmed off and reflected the simple and meager life he actually lived. He is able to use relatively simple diction to create very creative and expressive ideas. This simplicity is what I appreciate most about William Blake.