Tag: Christian poetry

The Tiger by William Blake poem on AZpoetry.com

The Tiger by William Blake

“The Tiger” by William Blake

Tiger Tiger, burning bright,
In the forests of the night;
What immortal hand or eye,
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies.
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand, dare seize the fire?

And what shoulder, and what art,
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand? and what dread feet?

What the hammer? what the chain,
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? what dread grasp,
Dare its deadly terrors clasp!

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?

Tiger Tiger burning bright,
In the forests of the night:
What immortal hand or eye,
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

About the poem “The Tiger” by William Blake

Summary of The Tiger

First published in 1794 as part of William Blake’s collection Songs of Experience, “The Tiger” (often modernized as “The Tyger”) is one of the most iconic and enduring poems in the English literary canon. The poem opens with the unforgettable line:

“Tiger Tiger, burning bright / In the forests of the night”

This vivid image sets the stage for a series of philosophical inquiries into the nature of creation, beauty, and terror. The speaker marvels at the tiger’s awe-inspiring presence, contemplating what kind of divine or immortal being could “frame thy fearful symmetry.”

Throughout the poem, Blake asks repeated questions—where the tiger’s fire came from, who dared to forge its sinews, what hammer or chain shaped its brain, and whether the same creator could have also made the gentle lamb. The poem ends with a slightly altered repetition of the opening lines, drawing attention to the tiger’s powerful mystery.

Analysis of The Tiger

Blake’s “The Tiger” is a profound meditation on the duality of existence—particularly the coexistence of beauty and danger, good and evil, innocence and experience. The tiger is a metaphor for something divine yet fearsome: a creature so perfectly made that its very existence forces the reader to question the nature of its creator.

The Question of Divine Intent

Blake questions not only how the tiger was created but why. Is the being who made the lamb—the symbol of innocence—also responsible for the tiger, a symbol of ferocity and destruction? This dualism aligns with the poet’s broader vision, contrasting Songs of Innocence with Songs of Experience, and challenging readers to think beyond simplified notions of good and evil.

Industrial Imagery

Lines like:

“What the hammer? what the chain, / In what furnace was thy brain?”

suggest a blacksmith’s forge, evoking images of industrial labor and craftsmanship. This metaphor may represent the creative process—or possibly, in a more existential interpretation, the brutal mechanisms of the universe or divine will. Blake’s use of such imagery also reflects early anxieties about the Industrial Revolution and humanity’s growing detachment from nature and spirituality.

Sound and Structure

Blake’s use of trochaic meter (a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed one) gives the poem a rhythmic, chant-like quality. The rhyming couplets make the poem feel almost like a nursery rhyme, heightening the contrast between its melodic form and its unsettling content. This contrast is essential to its power—it reads beautifully but asks terrifying, unanswerable questions.

Blake’s Legacy in Arizona Poetry

William Blake’s “The Tiger” has transcended centuries and cultures, continuing to inspire poets today—including those working in Arizona. The poem is notably referenced in Aaron Hopkins-Johnson’s “Alzheimer’s Poetry Project”, a piece that explores memory, identity, and language through intergenerational and literary lenses. The reference to Blake in this contemporary work speaks to the poem’s lasting relevance—especially its grappling with the mysteries of creation and perception.

Why William Blake Appears on AZPoetry.com

While William Blake never set foot in Arizona, his influence is echoed in the voices of modern Arizona poets. His questioning of divine order, poetic experimentation, and emotional complexity continue to inspire poets across the state. By including Blake in our Classic Poetry collection, we highlight the lineage of ideas that flow from great literary traditions into the creative currents of the Southwest.


Explore more classic poems referenced by Arizona poets and discover contemporary voices like Aaron Hopkins-Johnson, who draw on Blake’s influence in their own distinctive ways.

Jack Evans Poet | AZpoetry.com

Jack Evans

Jack Evans: Illuminating Lives Through Poetry

Arizona’s Enduring Voice in Poetry and Healing

Jack Evans has been a central figure in Arizona’s poetry scene for over 40 years, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the Valley of the Sun. A celebrated poet, spoken word artist, and creative director, Evans is best known for his deep, soulful verse and his commitment to exploring themes of memory, loss, and the healing power of art. As the former Poet Laureate of the Southwest Conference United Church of Christ and the author of the acclaimed book Rain Is The Hourglass Of Memory, Evans continues to inspire audiences with his timeless work.


A Storied Journey from the East to the Southwest

Born on the banks of the Hudson during the twilight years of Roosevelt II’s reign, Jack Evans’ early life was steeped in history and literary tradition. His journey eventually led him to a little house overlooking the dusty Agua Fria when Lesley King ruled the land—a transformative move that rooted him in the vibrant, rugged spirit of the American Southwest. Evans’ love for music, film, baseball, and books has always colored his work, infusing his poetry with both a passion for cultural heritage and a modern, relatable voice.


A Life Dedicated to Poetry and Performance

For decades, Jack Evans has dedicated himself to the art of poetry. He writes, reads, thinks, and shares poetry with an enthusiasm that has resonated across generations. His work has been published in numerous literary journals and magazines, and he has performed in venues throughout Arizona and from coast to coast since the 1970s. Whether on stage at intimate local gatherings or at major poetry festivals, Evans’ performances captivate audiences with their blend of narrative depth and energetic delivery.

As a director of spoken word series for over 30 years, Evans has played a pivotal role in nurturing and showcasing emerging voices in the art form. Currently, he is the co-director of the Caffeine Corridor series in downtown Phoenix—a vibrant forum where poets and spoken word artists come together to share their work and inspire new creative connections.


Collaborative Performances and Healing Through Art

A notable aspect of Jack Evans’ career is his collaboration with guitarist Tom Bell. Their partnership, known as the Evans Bell Conversion, began with a memorable performance at Lawn Gnome Publishing on February 5, 2015. Since then, the duo has continued to push the boundaries of spoken word by integrating live music into their performances, creating immersive experiences that blend poetic narrative with melodic expression.

Their upcoming collaboration, showcased at the Healing Project, exemplifies Evans’ belief in the transformative power of art. This performance promises to be an experiential exploration of grief, death, loss, and change, inviting both performers and audience members to engage in a shared process of healing. Through conversation, reflection, and the potent force of the written word, the Evans Bell Conversion aims to help ease grief-related suffering and inspire hope.


Legacy and Impact on Arizona Poetry

Jack Evans’ legacy is a testament to his lifelong commitment to poetry and the arts. His work not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Arizona but also serves as a catalyst for healing and community connection. Evans’ influence extends far beyond his individual performances—he has nurtured countless emerging poets through his workshops, events, and creative leadership.

Living in Phoenix with his wife Judy, his dog, his cat, four parakeets, and a trusty laptop, Evans continues to embody the spirit of creativity and resilience. His ongoing contributions to the local poetry scene make him a cornerstone of Arizona literature, ensuring that the voices of the past, present, and future are heard and celebrated.

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