The Day Is Coming - Classic Text | Alexandria
"The Day Is Coming," a seminal work by William Morris published in 1883, stands as one of the most influential socialist poems of the Victorian era, embodying both the artistic sensitivity of the Arts and Crafts movement and the revolutionary spirit of nineteenth-century social reform. The poem, which first appeared in Morris's "Chants for Socialists," captures the author's evolution from celebrated designer and medievalist to passionate socialist activist.
Morris wrote this stirring piece during a period of intense social and political transformation in Britain, as industrialization reshaped both the physical landscape and social fabric of society. The work emerged from his involvement with the Socialist League, which he helped found in 1884, and reflects his growing disillusionment with capitalism and its effects on art, craft, and human dignity. The poem's recurring refrain, "Come hither, lads, and hearken, for a tale there is to tell," exemplifies Morris's ability to merge traditional English folk forms with revolutionary content.
The text's significance extends beyond its immediate historical context, serving as a bridge between romantic medievalism and modern socialist thought. Morris's unique position as both a successful businessman and a critic of capitalism lends the work particular poignancy and complexity. The poem's imagery draws upon both natural motifs – characteristic of Morris's design work – and industrial metaphors, creating a rich tapestry of meaning that continues to resonate with contemporary readers and scholars.
The work's influence can be traced through various twentieth-century social movements, from the Labor movement to environmental activism. Modern interpretations often focus on Morris's prescient concerns about environmental degradation and alienated labor, themes that find new relevance in current debates about sustainability and workplace automation. The poem's vision of social transformation through collective action and artistic creation continues to inspire discussions about the relationship between aesthetics and politics.
This enduring piece raises provocative questions about the role of art in social change and the possibility of combining beauty with utility – questions that remain central to contemporary discussions of design, craft, and social justice. Morris's dual identity as artist and activist, so clearly expressed in "The Day Is Coming," continues to challenge simple categorizations and inspire new generations of creative social reformers.