Monday, July 5, 2010

Weeding the Garden

Whose weeds these are lives far away;
but I will pull some out today.
She may not know quite what I do,
to halt the bitter, sad decay.

My restless pup is quite content;
forgoes his walk for time well spent.
Upon his back, a grassy rub,
belly up, and wiggle worm bent.

He shakes off the grass, finds a place,
to lie within the sun's embrace.
I'm left alone with wind and weeds,
to do my work with quiet grace.

The weeds are many, long and strong.
But I know here they don't belong,
And I uproot them with a song,
And I uproot them with a song.

This poem is an exercise I sometimes do with my students. Take a published poem and follow the pattern. Anyone recognize the poem I used?

For more poetry spins, head on over to Sprite's Keeper.

31 comments:

cheatymoon said...

I was a terrible English major. Don't remember the poem at all. But your twist is lovely.

Brian Miller said...

its a rather fun verse...can catch the beat but just cant name that tune...smiles.

Amy said...

Great poem to read. As I picture myself pulling weeds as my puppy Belle watches..

Rosaria Williams said...

Frost's Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, or something like it. A lovely imitation! Weeding is an unappreciated chore, like scrubbing bathrooms.

Ann Imig said...

It is so so familiar I like what you did with it.

Sprite's Keeper said...

I immediately thought of Frost! "And miles to go before I sleep" repeats, doesn't it?
Great twist on it!
I can imagine Border Collie twisting and turning on his back looking for a good scratch!
You're linked!

Irish Gumbo said...

I keep forgetting to sing while I pull the weeds. I like this :)

tulpen said...

Clueless here... but really liked it. (and I tend not to love poetry.)

Aimee said...

Recognized it immediately! Lovely!!

Debbie said...

I am the worst at recognizing poems. But, I did recognize the beauty in this one.

ds said...

Nice twist on an old favorite!

Shadow said...

no i don't, but what a fabulous one this is!

Michele said...

You make weeding the garden sound like fun.

Liz Mays said...

It's really lovely but I sure don't know who wrote the original. I hope all your weed pulling is done for a bit, although it sounded like a nice time actually.

Melissa B. said...

And miles to go before I sleep...couplets & Frost=my faves. Bravo!

hillgrandmom said...

Robert Frost. I love your version, the pictures conjured up are so summery.

Kristan said...

I don't recognize the poem (I'm awful with poetry) but Pseudo, this is LOVELY. I smiled the whole way through. :)

Maureen@IslandRoar said...

Yes, Frost my friend.
Lovely job!!

Mama Badger said...

I love some Frost in the middle of the summer heat. That's a great idea, Pseudo.

Hope your weeding was as enjoyable.

Joanna Jenkins said...

Beautiful Pseudo.
jj

Sharon Rose said...

I must say, 22 years out of my English classes in college, I don't remember the name of this style. However, I loved it!

You did well, grasshoppa!

Jan said...

I am poetically challenged so no, I don't recognize the original poem. I LOVE yours, though.

Smart Mouth Broad said...

NO clue but I love it!

Midlife Roadtripper said...

And miles to go before I sleep?

Casey said...

Ok, I was going to guess Frost but someone beat me to it. Am I right?

Great poem.

Gal Friday said...

So clever and creative!
I noticed the Frost poem "pattern", and I really love your version.

Keely said...

I can't name the poem, but I can relate to the peaceful summer afternoon weeding the garden. I do that a lot while my dog is sunbathing and my kid is playing in the sprinkler.

Just B said...

Wow-you make weeding sound good!

Anonymous said...

Don't think I've ever seen anyone who could make weeding seem so enjoyable a task but you did! Well played Pseudo! Well played!

Cajoh said...

My problem is I never studied poetry outside of a simple poetry class in college.

All the same, I like the second stanza with the dog. Reminds me of our dog who likes to "get his comfortable colour back" by rolling around in the grass.

Thanks for sharing,

Kate said...

You painted a picture. Love it!