Tag Archives: William Blake

Blake on Racism and Child Abuse

By Robin Bates | Published: April 9, 2024

Blake’s “Little Black Boy,” quoted by Lamott in her latest book, is a complex exploration of racism.

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What Are Days For? Larkin’s Non Answer

By Robin Bates | Published: February 25, 2024

In “Days,”Larkin urges us to make the most of each day.

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Every Stone and Every Star a Tongue

By Robin Bates | Published: February 24, 2024

17th century poet Traherne as an early version of Green Gospel, a recent book by John Gatta.

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Our Country, a Land of Poverty

By Robin Bates | Published: November 25, 2023

Blake calls out those who claim to be Christians while mistreating the poor.

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Poetic Incentives to Take Long Walks

By Robin Bates | Published: October 4, 2023

If you are a walker, read 17th century poet Thomas Traherne to deepen the experience.

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Kiss the Joy as It Flies

By Robin Bates | Published: August 5, 2023

William Blake captures the true spirit of the Transfiguration in “Eternity.”

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Into the Woods with Blake and Sondheim

By Robin Bates | Published: August 3, 2023

Blake and Sondheim both respect children’s need to explore far more than various book banners.

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For England, Buttercup > Melon Flower

By Robin Bates | Published: April 10, 2023

“Oh to be in England now that April’s here”–and not in Italy, with its gaudy melon flowers!

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School in August?! Blake Appalled

By Robin Bates | Published: August 10, 2022

In “School Boy,” the idea of going to school in summer appalls Blake. He’d be horrified at American start times.

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