QotD: Grudge Match
Do you hold grudges against people? Tell us about an incident if you do, and if you don't, tell us how you rise above it.
Submitted by Sophie.
This poem by WIlliam Blake is a good illustration of why it is not good to hold grudges against people. I rarely do myself. I just can't be bothered. I would rather grow and save my 'apples bright' for those I care about.
I was angry with my friend:
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told him not, my wrath did grow.
And I watered it in fears
Night and morning with my tears,
And I sunned it with smiles
And with soft deceitful wiles.
And it grew both day and night,
Till it bore an apple bright,
And my foe beheld it shine,
And he knew that it was mine -
And into my garden stole
When the night had veiled the pole;
And in the morning, glad, I see
My foe outstretched beneath the tree.
Comments
I love that poem too. Although, the fact the narrator is 'glad' at the end suggests it's more like a revenge poem with a satisfying ending. Maybe I read it that way because I have a few poison trees growing in my emotional garden. However, I've decided to turn over a new leaf (so to speak) and get the weedkiller out, attractive as it is to help those apples grow. You're right, it's not good to hold grudges.
If you are into fabulous Blake, have you heard any John Tavener choral adaptations of his work? I was once lucky enough to sing this in a small choir. It sent shivers down my spine every time we rehearsed or performed it. I have the same reaction to Blake's visual artwork as well.
Sorry - I mean this!
Yes, you are right in that interpretation. The way I see it though is that it must take a lot of focus and energy to grow that apple so why waste all that on an enemy? Also I think that that particular poem is part of a progression, isn't it? It is a while since I studied Blake at uni.
No, I haven't heard those choral works (sound good though). I just remember singing 'Jerusalem' at school.