DESCRIPTION

This poem by William Blake is graceful and soothing — perfect for reading right before bedtime!

The first stanza sets the stage by describing how all of nature prepares for nightfall. The remainder of the poem elegantly portrays the angels and their role in blessing and protecting all of creation as it sleeps.

My original music seeks to capture the beauty and simplicity of the poem, while soothing the listener with feelings of comfort, safety, and tranquility.

TEXT INFO

Night

Words by William Blake, 1789

Complete text:

The sun descending in the west,
The evening star does shine;
The birds are silent in their nest,
And I must seek for mine.
The moon, like a flower,
In heaven's high bower,
With silent delight
Sits and smiles on the night.

Farewell, green fields and happy groves,
Where flocks have took delight.
Where lambs have nibbled, silent moves
The feet of angels bright;
Unseen they pour blessing,
And joy without ceasing,
On each bud and blossom,
And each sleeping bosom.

They look in every thoughtless nest,
Where birds are covered warm;
They visit caves of every beast,
To keep them all from harm.
If they see any weeping
That should have been sleeping,
They pour sleep on their head,
And sit down by their bed.

The sun descending in the west,
The evening star does shine;
The birds are silent in their nest,
And I must seek for mine.
The moon, like a flower,
In heaven's high bower,
With silent delight
Sits and smiles on the night.