A Cradle Song
By William Butler Yeats
The angels are stooping
Above your bed;
They weary of trooping
With the whimpering dead.
God’s laughing in Heaven
To see you so good;
The Sailing Seven
Are gay with His mood.
I sigh that kiss you,
For I must own
That I shall miss you
When you have grown.
Above your bed;
They weary of trooping
With the whimpering dead.
God’s laughing in Heaven
To see you so good;
The Sailing Seven
Are gay with His mood.
I sigh that kiss you,
For I must own
That I shall miss you
When you have grown.
Poem Analysis:
William Butler Yeats's "A Cradle Song" is a tender and introspective reflection on the fleeting nature of childhood and the bittersweet emotions experienced by a parent or caregiver. Through its evocative imagery and emotive language, the poem captures the complex interplay of love, joy, and melancholy inherent in the act of nurturing a child. Let's delve deeper into the poem's themes, imagery, and underlying messages.
The Fragility of Childhood
At the heart of "A Cradle Song" is an acknowledgment of the fragility and innocence of childhood. The image of angels stooping above the child's bed evokes a sense of divine protection and guardianship, contrasting with the earthly realm of mortality and suffering. The juxtaposition of the angels' weariness with the "whimpering dead" suggests the delicate balance between life and death, highlighting the vulnerability of the child in the face of the unknown.
Divine Presence and Joy
Yeats imbues the poem with a sense of divine presence and joy, symbolized by God's laughter in Heaven and the "Sailing Seven" who are gay with His mood. This imagery conveys a sense of cosmic harmony and divine benevolence, as the child is embraced within the loving embrace of a higher power. The notion of God finding amusement in the child's innocence underscores the sacredness of childhood and the inherent goodness of the young soul.
The Passage of Time
Embedded within "A Cradle Song" is a recognition of the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The speaker's sigh of affection as they kiss the child reflects a poignant awareness of the child's eventual growth and independence. This acknowledgment of the child's future departure evokes a sense of wistfulness and longing, as the speaker anticipates the loss that will accompany the child's maturation.
Parental Love and Loss
Throughout the poem, Yeats explores the complex emotions experienced by a parent or caregiver as they nurture and love a child. The speaker's admission that they will miss the child when they have grown reflects a universal sentiment shared by parents throughout history. This acknowledgment of impending separation underscores the depth of the speaker's love and the profound sense of loss that accompanies the child's transition into adulthood.
"A Cradle Song" by William Butler Yeats is a poignant meditation on childhood, parenthood, and the passage of time. Through its lyrical language and rich imagery, the poem captures the tender beauty and bittersweet emotions inherent in the act of nurturing a child. Yeats's verses serve as a timeless reminder of the fleeting nature of youth and the enduring power of love to transcend the boundaries of time and space.
