"The Snail" by William Blake
**"Little snail, little snail,
Where do you go,
Dragging your slimy coat
Over the green grass?"**
**"I go to find my food,
Said the little snail,
To gather leaves so green,
To make my body whole."**
**"Little snail, little snail,
You carry your house on your back;
And what is the use of a house,
If you have to crawl all day?"**
**"I carry my house, said the snail,
Because I am not strong,
And I need a house to live in,
And I am not afraid of the rain."**
The poem explores the nature of the snail, contrasting its slowness with its self-sufficiency and independence.
Here's what the poem is about:
* The nature of the snail: The poem describes the snail's physical characteristics, its slow movement, and its ability to carry its own home.
* The snail's perspective: Blake gives the snail a voice and allows it to explain its actions and motivations. The snail's responses are not merely about its physical needs but also about its way of life and its self-reliance.
* The contrast between strength and vulnerability: The poem highlights the snail's vulnerability and the need for protection, contrasting it with the perceived strength of those who don't need a shell.
* The beauty of simplicity: Despite its apparent limitations, the snail is depicted as content and self-assured, finding beauty in its own way of life.
"The Snail" is a simple poem, but it carries deep meaning about acceptance, resilience, and the power of finding contentment within oneself. It also speaks to the importance of seeing the world from different perspectives and appreciating the beauty in seemingly ordinary things.