The Little Boy Lost

By William Blake

Father! father! where are you going? O do not walk so fast. Speak, father, speak to your little boy, Or else I shall be lost, The night was dark no father was there The child was wet with dew, The mire was deep, & the child did weep, And away the vapour flew.
Written: 1789-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1789-01-01
Date Published: 1789-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Boy, Lost, Father, Night, Sorrow
Source: Songs of Innocence
Publisher: W. Blake
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
A short, poignant poem from Songs of Innocence that describes the fear and sorrow of a little boy lost in the night, calling for his father.

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.