On+Another's+Sorrow


 * On Another's Sorrow**


 * About the Poem:** This poem is part of the Songs of Innocence. This is obvious by simply reading the poem, because it reveals many innocent ideals. The poem states that a person could ease another's sorrow by soley feeling pity for them. However, with experience, one will learn that action must be taken in order to find a solution and help the sorrowful person.

Can I see another's woe, Can I see another's grief, And not be in sorrow too? And not seek for kind relief?
 * On Another's Sorrow**

Can I see a falling tear, Can a father see his child And not feel my sorrow's share? Weep, nor be with sorrow fill'd?

Can a mother sit and hear An infant groan, an infant fear? No, no! never can it be! Never, never can it be!

And can he who smiles on all Hear the wren with sorrows small, Hear the small bird's grief & care, Hear the woes that infants bear,

And not sit beside the nest, Pouring pity in their breast; And not sit the cradle near, Weeping tear on infant's tear;

And not sit both night & day, Wiping all our tears away? O! no, never can it be! Never, never can it be!

He doth give his joy to all; He becomes an infant small; He becomes a man of woe; He doth feel the sorrow too.

Think not thou canst sigh a sigh, And thy maker is not by; Think not thou canst weep a tear, And thy maker is not near.

O! he gives to us his joy That our grief he may destroy; Till our grief is fled & gone He doth sit by us and moan.

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