The Donkey When fishes flew and forests walked And figs…
““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.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Describes a grotesque, mythic creature symbolizing inner turmoil and alienation, using vivid, contradictory imagery.
In simple terms: A monster reflects inner conflict and feeling out of place.
Key Takeaway
A your inner darkness with honesty.
Themes
identity
alienation
myth
psychology
Mood
melancholic
enigmatic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing poetry
- therapy
- artistic expression
- personal introspection
Key Concepts
existential dread
self‑acceptance
creativity
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the monster represent for you?
- How can confronting inner darkness foster growth?
A Different Perspective
The imagery may obscure rather than clarify personal meaning.