The Donkey - A poem by G.K. Chesterton

G.K. Chesterton - The Donkey

When forests walked and fishes flew 
And figs grew upon thorn, 
Some moment when the moon was blood, 
Then, surely, I was born. 

With monstrous head and sickening bray 
And ears like errant wings— 
The devil's walking parody 
Of all four-footed things: 

The battered outlaw of the earth 
Of ancient crooked will; 
Scourge, beat, 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 around my head 
And palms about my feet.

Added: on April 4th, 2005 at 10:33 PM | Viewed: 3462 times | Comments (6)

The Donkey - Comments and Information
Poet: G.K. Chesterton Poem: The Donkey Comment 6 of 6, added on September 14th, 2005 at 4:16 PM. Such an amazing poen. Just like the story "Gift of the Magi" Such ones come in once a life time may be. An insignificant animal (meaning a person) like the donkey had its moments in life, had its greatness. Never ever judge a book by its cover they say. Rammohan Subbaram from United States Comment 5 of 6, added on May 5th, 2005 at 2:48 PM. I too have loved this poem ever since I was young, and used it in two poetry exams. It points to us how we see such flaws in God's creations, but even an insignificant animal (as we see it) can play such an important role....it reminds us not to judge. Claire North from New Zealand Comment 4 of 6, added on April 4th, 2005 at 10:33 PM. Chesterton is refering in this poem to the time when Jesus was an adult and he rode a donkey into the city less than one week before his crucifixion. It says in the Bible that people waived palm branches as Jesus entered the city. Dale Ahlquist, President of the American Chesterton Society, had a bit of advice for those who forget God uses things, whether animals or people, often considered by the world as worthless (such as the donkey) to do great things for Him. Ahlquist's advice was, "Be careful before you call somebody {a donkey}, he may be carrying Christ." mereplato from United States More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, The Donkey, has received 6 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by G.K. Chesterton with others on the Poetry Connection poetry forum!

Poem Info
The Donkey Last read: 2008-11-20 07:41:52 Viewed 3462 times. Added on April 4th, 2005 at 10:33 PM.

Chesterton Info
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