Published in 1794 in his Songs of Experience collection, A Poison Tree is one of the most notable poems by William Blake. The poem explores the themes of anger, resentment, and the destructive nature of suppressed emotions. Born in 1757, William Blake was an English poet, painter, and printmaker. The poet was unrecognized during his lifetime but gained posthumous fame for his great works and deep insights into human nature and spirituality.
I was angry with my friend:
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it 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;
In the morning, glad, I see
My foe outstretched beneath the tree.