The Little Girl Found

By William Blake

All the night in woe Lyca's parents go Over valleys deep, While the deserts weep. Tired and woe-begone, Hoarse with making moan, Arm in arm, seven days They trac'd the desert ways. Seven nights they sleep Among shadows deep, And dream they see their child Starv'd in desert wild. Pale, through pathless ways The fancied image strays, Famish'd, weeping, weak, With hollow piteous shriek Rising from unrest, The trembling woman press'd With feet of weary woe; She could no further go. In his arms he bore Her, arm'd with sorrow sore; Till before their way A couching lion lay. Turning back was vain; Soon his heavy mane Bore them to the ground, Then he stalk'd around, Smelling to his prey; But their fears allay, When he licks their hands, And silent by them stands. They look upon his eyes Fill'd with deep surprise; And wondering behold A spirit arm'd in gold. On his head a crown; On his shoulders down Flow'd his golden hair. Gone was all their care. Follow me, he said; Weep not for the maid; In my palace deep, Lyca lies asleep. Then they followed Where the vision led, And saw their sleeping child Among tigers wild. To this day they dwell In a lonely dell; Nor fear the wolfish howl Nor the lion's growl.
Written: 1789-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1789-01-01
Date Published: 1789-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Girl, Found, Parents, Desert, Beasts
Source: Songs of Innocence
Publisher: W. Blake
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
A continuation of "The Little Girl Lost," this poem tells of the reunion between Lyca and her parents, guided by a protective lion, symbolizing divine guardianship.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.


Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.