What does the "invisible worm" stand for? (MEG 102) (Songs of Experience: Study of Some Poems)

In William Blake's poem "The Sick Rose," the "invisible worm" is often interpreted as a symbol of corruption, decay, or a destructive force that undermines the purity and beauty of the rose. Some critics suggest that the worm represents a sexual or moral taboo that threatens to destroy innocence and virtue. Others argue that the worm is a metaphor for the invisible forces that can cause sickness and death, such as disease, decay, or the destructive power of time. Overall, the image of the "invisible worm" adds a sense of ominousness and dread to the poem, suggesting that even the most beautiful and innocent things are vulnerable to corruption and decay.