About May

This whimsical poem presents themes of childhood, disobedience, and the consequences of neglecting natural needs, specifically sleep. The poet employs an engaging narrative form, using consistent rhyming and rhythm to create a sing-song quality that parallels traditional children's nursery rhymes. This style underscores the youthful innocence and naivety of the central character, May, while the narrative itself provides a subtle moral lesson.

The poem explores the concept of sleep as a nurturing, guiding figure through the character of Nurse Sleep who possesses a dual role as a caregiver and gatekeeper to the realm of dreams, Wonderland. May's resistance to Nurse Sleep's call symbolizes youthful stubbornness and a desire for immediate gratification, as seen in her insistence on eating cake before sleeping. This rejection results in her inability to access the comforting realm of sleep and instead, she experiences a nightmare. The use of personification and allegory here portrays sleep not only as a biological necessity but also a mystical journey that is not to be delayed or taken lightly. The poem concludes with a gentle admonishment, hinting at lessons learned the hard way.

The language and tone are playful and light, yet the poem carries a deeper message about the importance of sleep and the potential consequences of defying natural rhythms. The imagery of chasing after sleep is particularly poignant, as it evokes a sense of desperation and reinforces the importance of embracing sleep when it first beckons.