The Walrus and The Carpenter

Discussion in 'Poetry' started by Mua'Dib, Oct 11, 2004.

  1. Mua'Dib

    Mua'Dib Member

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    The sun was shining on the sea,
    Shining with all his might:
    He did his very best to make
    The billows smooth and bright--
    And this was odd, because it was
    The middle of the night.


    The moon was shining sulkily,
    Because she thought the sun
    Had got no business to be there
    After the day was done--
    "It's very rude of him," she said,
    "To come and spoil the fun!"


    The sea was wet as wet could be,
    The sands were dry as dry.
    You could not see a cloud, because
    No cloud was in the sky:
    No birds were flying overhead--
    There were no birds to fly.


    The Walrus and the Carpenter
    Were walking close at hand;
    They wept like anything to see
    Such quantities of sand:
    "If this were only cleared away,"
    They said, "it would be grand!"


    "If seven maids with seven mops
    Swept it for half a year.
    Do you suppose," the Walrus said,
    "That they could get it clear?"
    "I doubt it," said the Carpenter,
    And shed a bitter tear.


    "O Oysters, come and walk with us!"
    The Walrus did beseech.
    "A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk,
    Along the briny beach:
    We cannot do with more than four,
    To give a hand to each."


    The eldest Oyster looked at him,
    But never a word he said:
    The eldest Oyster winked his eye,
    And shook his heavy head--
    Meaning to say he did not choose
    To leave the oyster-bed.


    But four young Oysters hurried up,
    All eager for the treat:
    Their coats were brushed, their faces washed,
    Their shoes were clean and neat--
    And this was odd, because, you know,
    They hadn't any feet.


    Four other Oysters followed them,
    And yet another four;
    And thick and fast they came at last,
    And more, and more, and more--
    All hopping through the frothy waves,
    And scrambling to the shore.


    The Walrus and the Carpenter
    Walked on a mile or so,
    And then they rested on a rock
    Conveniently low:
    And all the little Oysters stood
    And waited in a row.


    "The time has come," the Walrus said,
    "To talk of many things:
    Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--
    Of cabbages--and kings--
    And why the sea is boiling hot--
    And whether pigs have wings."


    "But wait a bit," the Oysters cried,
    "Before we have our chat;
    For some of us are out of breath,
    And all of us are fat!"
    "No hurry!" said the Carpenter.
    They thanked him much for that.


    "A loaf of bread," the Walrus said,
    "Is what we chiefly need:
    Pepper and vinegar besides
    Are very good indeed--
    Now if you're ready, Oysters dear,
    We can begin to feed."


    "But not on us!" the Oysters cried,
    Turning a little blue.
    "After such kindness, that would be
    A dismal thing to do!"
    "The night is fine," the Walrus said.
    "Do you admire the view?


    "It was so kind of you to come!
    And you are very nice!"
    The Carpenter said nothing but
    "Cut us another slice:
    I wish you were not quite so deaf--
    I've had to ask you twice!"


    "It seems a shame," the Walrus said,
    "To play them such a trick,
    After we've brought them out so far,
    And made them trot so quick!"
    The Carpenter said nothing but
    "The butter's spread too thick!"


    "I weep for you," the Walrus said:
    "I deeply sympathize."
    With sobs and tears he sorted out
    Those of the largest size,
    Holding his pocket-handkerchief
    Before his streaming eyes.


    "O Oysters," said the Carpenter,
    "You've had a pleasant run!
    Shall we be trotting home again?'
    But answer came there none--
    And this was scarcely odd, because
    They'd eaten every one.









    a classic that i wanted to share with you all
     
  2. Voodoo child

    Voodoo child Member

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    dear god i havent heard that poem in years!!!! It was used in alice in wonderland wasnt it??! thank you for posting that and taking me on a wonderful nostalgia trip!! lol


    peace and love
    xxxxxx
     
  3. John221

    John221 Senior Member

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    Actually, it's from Through the Looking Glass, but close enough! I prefer Jabberwocky myself.
     
  4. Mua'Dib

    Mua'Dib Member

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    yes, i printed this poem off of my computer and i put it in my room.
    i always get a good feeling when i read it.
    and the film version of the book is very good. and very trippy.

    did you know the book was based on an opium dream?
     
  5. Voodoo child

    Voodoo child Member

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    damn, my bad. I havent seen the disney cartoon, or indeed read either of the books in years - i have both the books aswell!! lol. Yeah Jabberwocky is cool too. I may have to read those again some time soon



    peace and love
    xxxxxx
     
  6. Voodoo child

    Voodoo child Member

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    no i didnt!! that actually explains alot! lol.....when u think of the story along those lines then it actually makes sense!! heehee thats a very strange thought!!



    peace and love
    xxxxxx
     
  7. Orsino2

    Orsino2 Hip Forums Supporter HipForums Supporter

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    That was long... but it was well done. :)
     
  8. gdhmomchild

    gdhmomchild Duct tape abuser

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    ~ i always get a good feeling when i read it. ~

    LOL, I love this piece. One of many in both books. But I dunno about a good feeling...
    *
    "It seems a shame," the Walrus said,
    "To play them such a trick,
    After we've brought them out so far,
    And made them trot so quick!"
    The Carpenter said nothing but
    "The butter's spread too thick!"



    *
    "O Oysters," said the Carpenter,
    "You've had a pleasant run!
    Shall we be trotting home again?'
    But answer came there none--
    And this was scarcely odd, because
    They'd eaten every one.
     
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