A Dream

Once a dream did weave a shad
O'er my angel-guarded bed
That an emmet lost its way
Where on grass methought I lay

Troubled, wildered, and forlorn
Dark, benighted, travel-worn
Over many a tangle spray
All heart-broke, I heard her say

"Oh my children! do they cry
Do they hear their father sigh
Now they look abroad to see
Now return and weep for me.

Pitying, I dropped a tear
But I saw a glow-worm near
Who replied, "What wailing wigh
Calls the watchman of the night

"I am set to light the ground
While the beetle goes his round
Follow now the beetle's hum
Little wanderer, hie thee home!

Poem Analysis & Reflection

William Blake’s A Dream is a hauntingly beautiful poem that delves into the mysterious realm of dreams, blending the ethereal with the deeply human. Written in Blake’s characteristic lyrical style, the poem unfolds like a vivid, otherworldly vision, yet it is grounded in themes of compassion, guidance, and the interconnectedness of all living things. The speaker begins by describing a dream in which they witness a lost emmet (an ant) wandering in the night, separated from its home and family. This tiny creature becomes a symbol of vulnerability and the universal longing for safety and belonging. Blake’s imagery is both delicate and profound, as he paints a scene where even the smallest beings are worthy of divine attention and care.

What makes A Dream so compelling is its interplay between the mundane and the mystical. The ant’s plight is not just a simple observation but a gateway to a deeper spiritual truth. In the dream, a glow-worm and a beetle appear as guides, offering light and direction to the lost emmet. These creatures, often overlooked in the waking world, take on a sacred role, suggesting that even the humblest beings can be instruments of grace. Blake’s use of personification imbues the natural world with a sense of purpose and interconnectedness, as if every creature is part of a divine plan. The poem’s tone is tender and reverent, inviting readers to see the world through a lens of empathy and wonder.

At its heart, A Dream is a meditation on the idea that no one is truly alone, even in their darkest moments. The dreamscape becomes a metaphor for the human condition, where fear and disorientation are met with unexpected acts of kindness and guidance. Blake’s vision is ultimately hopeful, suggesting that the universe is not indifferent but rather filled with unseen helpers who illuminate our path. The poem’s closing lines, with their gentle resolution, leave the reader with a sense of comfort and reassurance. In true Blakean fashion, A Dream transcends its simple narrative to become a profound reflection on the nature of existence, the divine, and the quiet miracles that surround us every day. It’s a testament to Blake’s genius that he can take something as small as an ant and turn it into a vessel for such expansive and timeless truths.