A Little Boy Lost

by William Blake — a poem card from Justes Mots

Blake depicts the tragic execution of a child by a priest for questioning religious doctrine, challenging blind faith and institutional cruelty. This ballad critiques religious extremism and the silencing of reason, expressing outrage at injustice. It serves as a powerful meditation on loss and institutional violence suitable for remembrance of victims of persecution.

"Nought loves another as itself,
Nor venerates another so,
Nor is it possible to thought
A greater than itself to know.

"And, father, how can I love you
Or any of my brothers more?
I love you like the little bird…

Themes: sympathy · grief · reflection