Latherwhopple
By: David Mathis
Ancient and oaken, he opened his creaking mouth
And when he spoke, it was wheezy and slow:
''The stars were once crystal and they shone in the
Sky during both day and night; a ceaseless glitter
hung in the air and it was so beautiful.''
His shell was a variegated brown and green.
The moss hung in trees like curtains-- maiden's hair.
Shadows crept and grew and the great brown turtle
Inhaled, breath ragged and raspy. He inhaled
The leaves, the petals, the seeds; he breathed life.
His old bones creaked, the grass swayed and he yet
Still drew his breath before settling down, looking
Out across the failing light of day, waiting and watching.
''The stars will erupt anew one day, though my tired
Eyes will never see it come to pass.''
-The End-
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I had to read this poem because I heard quite a few people in class discussing it. I enjoyed it. Especially the title of the poem... David-- What's a Latherwopple? haha. I imagine its the noise of rain that splashes in the creek next to the turtle's house... Just a guess. The title is so comical sounding, but yet the poem seems so serious. And I am quite curious why part of the poem is in "quotes"? I really enjoyed this poem because I could invision the imagery of the turtle of his whereabouts so easily; however, it had a mysterious tone to it as well. For later revising, I suggest that maybe a different title come into play in order for the tone to shift slightly. Great job.
Thanks for the review. The quotes are because the Turtle is actually saying that part. Do you think it was a bad idea to include them?
ReplyDeleteoh, and the title is a word I came up with before I wrote the poem, and like much of my work, I started out intending to write something light-hearted, but I ended up with an old turtle who thinks he will never see beauty again. I'll write something ridiculously happy one day. You'll see.
Thanks bunches for the review!