The lullaby by James Agee: the poem and Analysis

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The poem

Sleep, child, lie quiet, let be:

 Now like a still wind, a great tree,

Night upon this city moves

Like leaves, our hungers and our loves.

Sleep, rest easy, while you may.

Soon it is day.

And elsewhere likewise love is stirred:

Elsewhere the speechless song is heard:

Wherever children sleep or wake,

Souls are lifted, hearts break.

Sleep, be careless while you can.

Soon you are a man.

And everywhere good men contrive

Good reasons not to be alive.

And even should they build their best

No man could bear tell you the rest.

Sleep child, for your parents sake.

Soon you must awake.

The Analysis 

This poem by James Agee, titled "A Lullaby," is a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of innocence and the inevitable transition from childhood to adulthood. The speaker, presumably a parent, addresses a sleeping child, urging them to rest peacefully while they can, before the harsh realities of life and the complexities of adulthood take hold.

The poem opens with a soothing tone, as the speaker encourages the child to sleep peacefully, likening the night to a comforting presence, like a still wind or a great tree. This imagery suggests a sense of protection and tranquility, contrasting with the busyness and uncertainties of the city.

As the poem progresses, the tone shifts slightly, with the speaker acknowledging the broader context of the world beyond the child's immediate surroundings. They mention that elsewhere, in other places where children sleep or wake, there is love and sorrow, joy and heartbreak. This acknowledgment of the universal experiences of humanity adds depth to the poem, suggesting a shared human condition that transcends individual circumstances.

The final stanza of the poem takes a darker turn, as the speaker reflects on the challenges and struggles that await the child as they grow older. They mention that good men often find it difficult to find reasons to continue living, hinting at the harsh realities and existential dilemmas that adulthood can bring. Despite this, the speaker urges the child to sleep for their parents' sake, perhaps indicating a desire to shield them from the harshness of the world for as long as possible.

Overall, "A Lullaby" is a contemplative and evocative poem that explores themes of innocence, loss, and the inevitability of change. Through its gentle yet poignant imagery, the poem captures the bittersweet essence of growing up and the transient nature of childhood.