I was pretty young when I first read this poem, I think it may have endeared me to G.K. Chesterton, unknowingly. I still am very moved by it.
The Donkey
When fishes flew and forests walked
    And figs grew upon thorn,
 Some moment when the moon was blood
    Then surely I was born.
 With monstrous head and sickening cry
    And ears like errant wings,
 The devil’s walking parody
    On all four-footed things.
 The tattered outlaw of the earth,
    Of ancient crooked will;
 Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb,
    I keep my secret still.
 Fools! For I also had my hour;
    One far fierce hour and sweet:
 There was a shout about my ears,
    And palms before my feet.
                    
                        n/a
                    
                
                    
                        Source:
                        The Collected Poems of G. K. Chesterton
                                                                        
                                                                        
                    (Dodd Mead & Company, 1927)
                                            
                
 
 
 
 
 
2 comments:
Some writing is timeless.
Dear Irene! I love G.K. Chesterton. Not enough folks appreciate him. Great poem. xoxo
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