Almanac of Story Tellers: William Blake

Every day brings a new story.  And each day contributes to story telling -- in prose and in poetry, in art and in music, on the stage, on the screen, and, of course, in books 

Today is the story of Nov. 28th

 ___________________________________________________________________________

    It is the 332nd day of the year, leaving 33 days remaining in 2022. 

    On this date in 1757, the engraver, painter, poet, and visionary William Blake was born.

Blake's Eve Tempted at the Creation,
at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London

    He told stories of his visions; he told stories of his gods and angels; he etched stories into  copper; he painted stories, and he wrote stories in verse with some of the most illuminating and lyrical couplets written in the English language.

    Generally unrecognized during his lifetime for his brilliance, his creativity, and his humanity, Blake today is considered one of the great Romantic poets. His paintings and visual arts are displayed in museums around the world.

    But it is his writing that comes to mind first, such as the poem, The Tyger, from his Songs of Innocence and Experience.

                    When the stars threw down their spears

                    And water'd heaven with their tears:

                    Did he smile his work to see?

                    Did he who made the lamb make thee?

    It contrasts with the creator of The Lamb, who

                    Gave thee clothing of delight, 

                    Softest clothing, wooly bright;

                    Gave thee such a tender voice,

                    Making all the vales rejoice!

    Blake's life and work continues to be examined today. His has influenced artists from the Irish poet William Butler Yeats to American folk musician Greg Brown, from beat poet Allan Ginsberg to British writer Aldous Huxley, and from surrealist artist Paul Nash to  abstract artist Graham Sutherland.

    Blake died in 1827 in London.