1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Quotations

Earth's Answer

William Blake

By , About.com Guide

Earth raised up her head
From the darkness dread and drear,
Her light fled,
Stony, dread,
And her locks covered with grey despair.

"Prisoned on watery shore,
Starry jealousy does keep my den
Cold and hoar;
Weeping o're,
I hear the father of the ancient men.

"Selfish father of men!
Cruel, jealous, selfish fear!
Can delight,
Chained in night,
The virgins of youth and morning bear?


"Does spring hide its joy,
When buds and blossoms grow?
Does the sower
Sow by night,
Or the plowman in darkness plough?

"Break this heavy chain,
That does freeze my bones around!
Selfish, vain,
Eternal bane,
That free love with bondage bound."

Did you like this poem? Why not receive free classic poems by email? SUBSCRIBE

Explore Quotations

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Quotations
  4. Poem Lyrics Poetry Quotes
  5. Poem Lyrics
  6. Poem Lyrics by Title
  7. E
  8. William Blake Earth's Answer>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.