Palm Sunday Poem Number One
It’s Palm Sunday this week.
I know, I know, I am not Christian, but I do like to maintain awareness around other religions and their Holy Days.
I also wanted to share two poems about Palm Sunday that I particularly like.
I like them mainly because their point of view is focused so strongly on an underrated beast of burden; namely the humble Donkey.
Although, to be fair, the tone of this first one isn’t exactly humble! Chesterton was an interesting and complex character, but I didn’t get the impression that humility was one of his traits (from what I have read!)
I thought I would share one today, and one on Saturday.
The first is by G. K. Chesterton
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.