(Poem #1111) The Common Cormorant The common cormorant (or shag) Lays eggs inside a paper bag, You follow the idea, no doubt? It's to keep the lightning out. But what these unobservant birds Have never thought of, is that herds Of wandering bears might come with buns And steal the bags to hold the crumbs. |
What I like even more than this poem's inspired silliness is the absolutely deadpan manner in which it is delivered. Even Silverstein's "Recipe for a Hippopotamus Sandwich" [Poem #845], of which today's poem is strongly reminiscent, didn't exude that tone of perfect reasonableness, that air of merely elaborating on a well-known fact. Is this a children's poem? It certainly works as one - children are for the most part deeply appreciative of whimsy and topsy-turvy logic. But so are many adults, and something about the poem makes me think that the latter were Isherwood's intended audience, though I can't quite pin it down. martin Links: I found today's poem at http://www.newtrix.com/poems/ci-corm.htm which has a biography and a photo of Isherwood.
76 comments: ( or Leave a comment )
I was surprised to see this poem attributed to Christopher Isherwood. I've
always understood it to be by that most prolific writer, Anon.
It certainly is in 'Verse and Worse', edited by Arnold Silcock, (1963) and
goes like this:-
The common cormorant or shag
Lays eggs inside a paper bag,
The reason you will see no doubt -
It is to keep the lightning out.
But what these unobservant birds
Have never noticed is that herds
Of wandering bears may come with buns
And steal the bags to hold the crumbs.
Not a lot of difference, I agree, but at least the fourth line scans
properly.
Regards
Colin Blowers
UAT Tester
The Exchange
Munro House
Portsmouth Road
COBHAM
Surrey
KT11 1TE
Martin,
This is indeed a delightful poem. I learned it as a child of eight in 1962, so am surprised to see this attributed to Christopher Isherwood 1982. One of my sisters was asking for a copy of it yesterday, so I thought I'd check the punctuation before writing it out for her. I've arrived at your webpage via Google. I think that you got some of the words wrong; you have introduced some paraphrases. From my recollection, the words of the poem are as follows (I don't remember the punctuation):
The common cormorant or shag
Lays eggs inside a paper bag.
The reason you will see, no doubt,
It is to keep the lightning out.
But what these unobservant birds
Have never noticed is that herds
Of wandering bears may come with buns
And steal the bags to hold the crumbs.
Do you have access to an original source so that you can check this? If so, can you help me with the punctuation.
Best wishes,
Joanna Watson
I encountered this poem in a book of children's nonsense rhymes purchased for our children back in the '80s. Unfortunately, the book has disappeared but my recollection is a tad different than the versions so far presented.
The common cormorant (or shag)
Lays eggs inside a paper bag
The reason you will see, no doubt
It is to keep the lightning out!
But what these unobservant birds
Have failed to notice is
That herds of wandering bears may come, with buns
And steal the bags to hold the crumbs
This book, along with Shel Silverstein's "Where the Sidewalk Ends" were among my sons' favourites, and, of course, mine!
regards
Steve Adams
Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada
I have been told recently that it is generally acknowledged to be the work of WH Auden - but I haven't been able to verify it.
Diana.
Rehov Hankin 2/7
Rehovot
Israel, 76354
I am now 68 years old, and learnt this wonderful poem when I was about 8 years old whilst attending City of London Girls School in London England.
Last night I awoke and repeated this poem to myself, but could not for the life of me remember what was being kept out by the bag being kept upside down!!!!!
Thank you so much, and thank God for being alive at this wonderful time of computers etc.
Barbara Pfeffer
The Oxford Dictionary of quotations attributes this poem to Isherwood (b.1904, d.1986) and states it was written about 1925.
The common cormorant or shag is a poem my brother and I were taught as children in the early 1950s. Though the words were slightly different the whole concept was the same. I met another person recently who had known it for a long time so unless Christopher Isherwood had penned it in the 50s I suspect name of the poet is still unknown.
The common cormorant or shag
lays eggs inside a paper bag.
The reason you may see no doubt
is to keep the lightning out.etc
in the second verse there is no might come about it it was will come ! Now that is a rather frightening thought!
I look forward to hearing about any other person of a certain age who have this poem in their family repertoire!
Mary Wightman
I learn t this poem in the mid sixties whilst in primary school.
I am thoroughly convinced in this said post. I am currently searching for ways in which I could enhance my knowledge in this said topic you have posted here. It does help me a lot knowing that you have shared this information here freely. I love the way the people here interact and shared their opinions too. I would love to track your future posts pertaining to the said topic we are able to read.
I have been told recently that it is generally acknowledged to be the work of WH Auden - but I haven't been able to verify it.
I learn t this poem in the mid sixties whilst in primary school.
My father told me this verse when I was little in the 1960s. I sometimes sing it to Mozart's Jolly Birdcatcher song (Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja).
It is a weak poetic endeavor. I hope that the next posts will include a greater poem.
I like Christopher Isherwood and his take on life.
It's a really awesome poem by Isherwood, He is a damn Genius guy, I agree to it completely.
a very good poetry.....liked it with heart....really looking to get more from you...:)
I enjoyed it so much reading this poems make me relax and inspirited, for my own poems of my life
all the content and the poems are really amazing.
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, but I am firmly convinced of this and love to learn more about the subject. If possible, acquire knowledge, would you update your blog with more information? It is very helpful to m
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, but I am firmly convinced of this and love to learn more about the subject. If possible, acquire knowledge, would you update your blog with more information? It is very helpful to me
Nice post, it's very make me so interesting to read your post.Nice work.thanks
I'm gonna be honest, I don't like to read so much, but when we are talking about a poem my thoughts and ideology change radically. This poem actually was done for the enjoyment of readers.
That's a pretty nice post, i was reading something related on another web page not too long ago that essentially said the same thing although yours is better,
interesting post to be sure there always seems to be new discoveries of once understood works.
Nice post, it's very make me so interesting to read your post.Nice work.thanks
See Earl Wavell's Othe Men's Flowers anthology (1st pub 1944), from where I learned it 60 years ago.
Does anyone remember a parody of (or follow-up to) this poem about the shrike (presumably “butcher bird or”)? It had to do with bicycle spokes, but I can't find it on the Internet.
Be attentive though, not each of the music that can be downloaded for free
on the web-based is royalty-free. The Bollywood songs can be found elaborate and
generously filmed.
Visit my web site ... szamba
The option I see it, if it can work for me, it can task
for anyone! An empathetic or maybe a curious child would probably lead of in questions.
Here is my blog :: imprezy integracyjne
So, at first select the location, where you in order to stay.
Finding vacation villas to mortgages here and holiday break apartments to your rent is a easy.
Here is my webpage; agencje ochrony
Often the coating can release fumes that has the ability to kill a racer.
Level of caffeine Grinder - Help a soft painting brush to wipe out any coffee whole
grains.
Feel free to visit my blog post ... kancelaria adwokacka łódź
A trip to Morocco further broadened her play palette. Shoppers can
have a great time attentiveness to your most wanted genre of
audio with these stations.
Here is my homepage; adwokat warszawa
The Bollywood songs are often elaborate and generously filmed.
In order in the market to license music, you may write and formulate better ones.
Check out my page ... tłumaczenia włoski Katowice
The recent real-estate boom in about Texas is
minute experiencing its bound to happen crash.
Stop by my webpage: agencja detektywistyczna warszawa
You are unable as a way to smell toxic smoke or notice an actual gas
leak to operate an effective home. There are many fixed steps that must be followed here.
my web-site - agencja detektywistyczna
Plantation tours in Kerala are ultimate trips from the eventfulness of city
whole life.
Look at my web-site agencja detektywistyczna warszawa
However there are couple of that offer high quality and at high-priced prices.
my website ... biuro detektywistyczne warszawa
Finally it target Usa market for awesome market and The eu for small globally market.
Here is my web page :: usługi detektywistyczne
Learn how very good country songs were recorded there by- legends like Elvis.
Steer clear dark or your favorite songs in minor practical
knowledge while guests are unquestionably arriving.
Also visit my site: detektyw warszawa
It will also help understand the type of cultural and personality patterns of your
current locals.
Look into my site prywatny detektyw warszawa
Payroll software is really a genie that acts a magical role in any home business house.
Feel free to surf to my web site :: prywatny detektyw
In order to aren't, step it up and join a course of study. It drives an individual toward improve the top notch of his business and become superior than others.
Also visit my homepage ... pobierowo
Is certainly also quite possible to find them as free online audio.
Most included such luminaries as the Natural Roses, the Inspiral Carpets, and
this Happy Mondays.
Here is my blog - tanie wczasy nad morzem
Many a home provides swimming pool, hot water showering and internet facility too.
my web site tanie wczasy
This is a fact that get rid of everyone knows that's about. Any low fuel consumption appliance will be able to be powered but now solar panel system.
Here is my blog :: zespół muzyczny Bydgoszcz
The Bollywood songs is elaborate and generously filmed.
They may should also learn how in order to really accompany singers and also other instrumentalist.
my web site: borelioza
Finding yourself in the independent music department has good and bad points.
The little angels are making great pop down in Nashville,
Tennessee, and purchase be a part of it!
my website :: candida
The way I see it, if it can work for me, it can career for
anyone! Right attitude is one regarding the bases from personality development of your kids.
Stop by my website :: borelioza
Greatest gripe we have risk is whenever you the right software that works.
India is considered as among the best countries for request
outsource.
My blog post: historia piwa
This is the go to be skilled at doing a specific product.
One does aren't, step it up and join a treatment program.
my web page wycieczki last minute
However, forklift traders are in fantastic demand in
plenty of business organizations. This can be a once
in a lifetime opportunity for your family.
Review my homepage :: wyjazdy na narty
Clothing is one of the best ways through that you can judge a specific.
Risky are the chemicals used to mature conventionally grown
cotton.
Review my web page :: STRONA GŁÓWNA
thanks so much for that great blog and thanks also for accepting my links thanks
طريقة عمل الدونات طريقة عمل الغريبة طريقة عمل البان كيك طريقة عمل الكنافة طريقة عمل البسبوسة بالصور طريقة عمل الكيك طريقة عمل عجينة البيتزا فوائد القرفه فوائد الزبيب
thanks so much for that greatarticle and usefull information
فوائد الحلبة فوائد الزنجبيل فوائد الرمان فوائد زيت السمسم علاج البواسير فوائد البصل فوائد اليانسون فوائد الكركم فوائد الزعتر قصص جحا علامات الحمل تعريف الحب حياة البرزخ
good
obat wasir dan ambeien
obat wasir dan ambeien alami
obat wasir dan ambeien ampuh
obat alami wasir dan ambeien
obat ampuh wasir dan ambeien
kemaluan bengkak bernanah
obat kemaluan bengkak bernanah
pengobatan kemaluan bengkak bernanah
obat alami kemaluan bengkak bernanah
obat kemaluan bengkak bernanah alami
obat tumor payudara alternatif stadium 1
obat tumor payudara alternatif stadium 2
obat tumor payudara alternatif stadium 3
obat tumor payudara alternatif stadium 4
obat tumor payudara stadium 1
obat kanker payudara alternatif
obat kanker payudara alternatif ampuh
obat alami kanker payudara alternatif
obat ampuh kanker payudara alternatif
obat kanker payudara alternatif alami
obat tumor payudara alternatif stadium 4
obat tumor payudara alternatif stadium 1
obat tumor payudara alternatif stadium 2
obat tumor payudara alternatif stadium 3
obat tumor payudara stadium 4
obat menghilangkan kutil kemaluan
obat penghilang kutil kemaluan
pengobatan menghilangkan kutil kemaluan
obat penghilang kutil
pengobatan penghilang kutil
kutil di batang kelamin
obat kutil di batang kelamin
pengobatan kutil di batang kelamin
obat alami kutil di batang kelamin
obat ampuh kutil di batang kelamin
penyebab kutil di alat kemaluan
obat kutil kelamin ampuh dan alami
pengobatan kutil kelamin yg ampuh
obat penyakit kutil kelamin
pengobatan penyakit kutil kelamin
kutil di batang kelamin
obat kutil kelamin di batang
pengobatan kutil di batang kemaluan
obat alami kutil di batang kemaluan
obat tradisional kutil kelamin
thanks
obat herbal untuk gejala kutil kelamin
obat herbal untuk gejala penyakit kutil kelamin
obat herbal untuk gejala sakit kutil kelamin
obat herbal untuk gejala awal kutil kelamin
obat herbal untuk gejala kutil pada kelamin
obat tradisional gejala kutil kelamin
obat tradisional gejala kutil di kelamin
obat tradisional gejala kutil sekitar kelamin
obat tradisional gejala kutil pada kelamin
obat tradisional gejala awal kutil kelamin
obat alami untuk gejala kutil kelamin
obat alami untuk gejala kutil pada kelamin
obat alami untuk gejala kutil di kelamin
obat alami untuk gejala penyakit kutil kelamin
obat alami untuk gejala sakit kutil kelamin
obat herbal gejala kutil kelamin
obat herbal gejala awal kutil kelamin
obat herbal gejala sakit kutil kelamin
obat herbal gejala penyakit kutil kelamin
obat herbal gejala kutil pada kelamin
obat kutil kelamin herbal jogja
obat kutil kelamin herbal di jogja
beli obat kutil kelamin herbal jogja
cari obat kutil kelamin herbal jogja
obat kutil kelamin herbal area jogja
obat herbal kutil kelamin akut
obat herbal kutil kelamin yang akut
obat herbal kutil kelamin sudah akut
obat herbal kutil kelamin terlanjur akut
obat herbal kutil kelamin yg akut
obat herbal kutil kelamin yg sudah akut
Untuk Mengobati Kutil Kelamin Pada Pria dan Wanita Tanpa ini tidak hanya dapat dilakukan melalui pengobatan medis dengan cara operasi atau tapi juga sudah banyak pengobatan tradisional
kutil Terbaik Untuk Pria dengan mutu dan kualitas yang terjamin tanpa efek samping
On the earth of business enterprise, artists normally feel displaced. You is capable of turning this all over by learning small enterprises of business enterprise. Learn to offer yourself your art. Generate a living with the artwork plus live the actual you will be dreaming with! www.businessinarts.org
eart. Thanks for giving your ideas. Apartemen Murah Di Jakarta Sewa Apartemen Murah Di Jakarta pemutih wajah produk pemutih wajah Baju Wanita Murah Reseller Baju Korea Rumah Alam Sutera Rumah Dijual Bsd Apartemen di Jakarta Timur Apartemen di Jakarta Selatan Rumah di Jakarta Timur Rumah di Jakarta Selatan
good
Jual Obat Kanker Otak Alami
Jual Obat Kanker Otak
Jual Obat Kanker Otak Ampuh
Jual Obat Kanker Otak tradisional
Jual pengobatan Kanker Otak Alami
obat kanker paru-paru alami
obat kanker paru-paru
obat kanker paru-paru ampuh
obat kanker paru-paru herbal
pengobatan kanker paru-paru alami
jual obat kanker paru-paru alami
jual obat kanker paru-paru
jual obat kanker paru-paru ampuh
jual pengobatan kanker paru-paru alami
jual pengobatan kanker paru-paru alami
Obat Wasir Ampuh
Obat Wasir Ampuh alami
Obat Wasir Ampuh herbal
Obat Ampuh Wasir
pengobatan Wasir Ampuh
Obat Wasir Tradisional
Obat Wasir Tradisional alami
pengobatan Wasir Tradisional ampuh
Obat Wasir herbal
Obat Wasir Tradisional dan mujarab
obat wasir | obat wasir alami
obat wasir | obat wasir
obat wasir | obat wasir ampuh
obat wasir | obat wasir herbal
obat wasir | obat wasir alami dan ampuh
obat wasir | obat wasir herbal
obat wasir | obat wasir
obat wasir | obat wasir alami
obat wasir | obat wasir ampuh
obat wasir | obat wasir herbal yang alami
obat wasir paling ampuh
obat wasir paling ampuh dan mujarab
obat wasir paling mujarab
pengobatan wasir paling ampuh
obat wasir paling ampuh dan istimewa
obat wasir parah
obat wasir yang parah
obat untuk wasir parah
pengobatan wasir parah
pengobatan untuk wasir parah
Thank you very much for this information
cara menghilangkan kutil pada kemaluan pria
CARA MENGOBATI KUTIL KELAMIN INTERNAL
cara menghilangkan kutil pada kemaluan secara alami
obat tradisional kutil kelamin
obat tradisional buat kutil kelamin
Mengobati kutil kelamin dengan obat tradisional
obat tradisional menyembuhkan kutil kelamin
obat tradisional untuk kutil kelamin
cara menyembuhkan kutil pada kemaluan
obat alami menghilangkan kutil kelamin
mengobati kutil kelamin dengan obat tradisional
obat alami menyembuhkan kutil kelamin
KUTIL KELAMIN AKIBAT VIRUS HPV
obat kutil kelamin tanpa operasi
Cara mengobati kutil secara alami
OBAT HERBAL KUTIL DI KEMALUAN ATAU JENGGER AYAM
Obat ampuh penyakit sipilis
obat gonore(kencing nanah) dari dokter
Obat Tradisional Kanker Rahim
Obat Kanker Prostat Tradisional
Pengobatan Kanker Paru Tradisional
Obat herbal untuk kanker payudara yang manjur
Cara menyembuhkan penyakit wasir dengan obat herbal
OBAT SIPILIS RAJA SINGA UNTUK WANITA
obat herbal buat sipilis
Obat Gonore Yang Ada Di Apotik
penyebab gonore
Apakah Kutil Yang Tumbuh Di Kelamin Berbahaya
obat kanker payudara
jual obat kanker rahim
obat untuk mengobati kanker serviks
obat kanker payudara herbal murah
pengobatan kanker serviks herbal
Thank you for the information by reading this article I know a lot of things and we also develop ya can also visit us at
Jual Obat Kuat, Alat bantu sex
jual obat bius, jual obat tidur
jual obat bius tokcer
jual obat tidur tokcer
good article. thank's
Artikel Keluar Nanah dari Kemaluan Laki-laki
Artikel Herbal Keluar Nanah dari Kemaluan Laki-laki
Artikel Obat Keluar Nanah dari Kemaluan Laki-laki
Artikel Obat Utk Keluar Nanah dari Kemaluan Laki-laki
Artikel Keluar Cairan Nanah dari Kemaluan Laki-laki
kini kami akan bahas tentang kesehatan dan kecantikan perawatan tubuh maupun pengobatan secara alami :
Berikut : obat peninggi badan
Berikut : obat pembesar payudara
Berikut : cara merontokan bulu permanen
Berikut : obat pelangsing badan
Berikut : obat penggemuk badan
Berikut : Obat penyubur seperma
Berikut : penis bendera
Berikut : Alat Pembesar Payudara
Berikut : Obat Kuat Viagra
Berikut : Obat perangsang wanita
Berikut : alat bantu sex pria
Berikut : alat bantu sex wanita
Berikut : boneka full body
Berikut : Oil pembesar penis
Berikut : Celana Hernia
Berikut : Obat Hernia
Berikut : Obat Kuat Sex Pria
TERIMA KASIH
thanks for the article information is very useful for me
michael kors outlet stores michael kors outlet online sale michael kors outlet michael kors outlet online michael kors 2015 michael kors outlet michael kors outlet stores mbt Shoes discount mbt Shoes mbt shoes sale mbt shoes online Buy mbt shoes online mbt shoes shopping mbt footwear new mbt mbt usa mbt canada coach outlet coach outlet stores coach outlet online coach factory coach factory outlet coach factory online coach outlet store online coach outlet online coach factory outlet coach outlet coach outlet stores coach outlet online coach outlet store online
jual obat kuat
Cingcui
Cingcui Herbal
Obat Herbal Cingcui
obat kuat
anti ejakulasi dini
obat kuat pria
obat kuat alami
obat kuat herbal
obat kuat tradisional
obat tahan lama
obat kuat lelaki
! Thanks! baju online korea toko baju wanita baju korea grosir baju baju wanita murah baju import harga rumah di rumah di alam rumah dijual alam rumah dijual rumah alam sutera jual rumah alam rumah dijual rumah dijual di rumah kayu jual rumah alam rumah dijual rumah alam rumah alam harga rumah
good
Obat Alami Wasir atau Ambeien
Obat Wasir dan Ambeien
Obat Ampuh Wasir atau Ambeien
Obat Herbal Wasir atau Ambeien
Pengobatan Kanker Payudara
Pengobatan Ampuh Kanker Payudara
Pengobatan Herbal Kanker Payudara
Pengobatan Mujarab Kanker Payudara
Mengatasi Benjolan Kanker Payudara
Cara Cepat Mengatasi Kanker Payudara
Cara Yang Cepat Mengatasi Benjolan Kanker Payudara
Cara Mengatasi Benjolan Kanker Payudara
Cara Cepat Mengatasi Kanker Payudara
Cara Cepat Mengatasi Kanker Payudara Tanpa Harus Operasi
Cara Mengatasi Kanker Payudara Tanpa Operasi
Mengatasi Kanker Payudara Tanpa Operasi
Mengobati Kutil Kelamin Jengger Ayam
Cara Mengobati Kutil Kelamin
Cara Mengobati Kutil Kelamin
Cara Ampuh Mengobati Kutil Kelamin Jengger Ayam
Mengobati Benjolan Kutil Kelamin
Cara Ampuh Mengobati Benjolan Kutil Kelamin
Cara Herbal Mengobati Benjolan Kutil Kelamin
Cara Herbal Mengobati Benjolan Kutil Kelamin
Resep Donat Kentang Resep Bolu Kukus Resep Martabak Manis Resep Nasi Goreng Resep Brownies Kukus Resep Kue Nastar Resep Pancake Resep Rendang Padang Resep Ayam Goreng Resep Ayam Bakar Resep Kastengel Resep Kue Lidah Kucing Resep Kacang Bawang Resep Kue Cubit Resep Kue Putri Salju Resep Kue Semprit Resep Kue Ulang Tahun
Packers and Movers Delhi
Packers and Movers Gurgaon
Packers and Movers Hyderabad
6546546
asdadad
aadsa6546
65465464
65a4sd5sa6d
65a4sd54sad
65a4d4a6d
464a6ds6a4d
65a4d6as4d
654a6d5a4sd
654a65da64sd
654a6d5as46d
654a6da4sd
54AS564s6
54ad65as46d4a
65a4d65sa4d
654asd6sa4d
65a4d65a4sd
65a4d6as6
65a4sd64a4d
65a4d65sad
we64q
5ea6sd6a1d
xc64vv46
uıo46ıo64
fg5h56546
Bardzo fajnie opisane. Pozdrawiam serdecznie.
Always, anywhere and anytime,I feel very comfortable now all to the work of Dr Ebacol,the Herbalist who prepare for me the remedies to my health challenges.i could feel more comfortable when he explained to me how dangerous it's caring Herpes with me getting affected easily with Other sexually transmitted infections. Genital sores increases my risk of transmitting or contracting other sexually transmitted infections, including AIDS.
Newborn infection. ...nd a lover who ran into it and had a shock on me after the checkup and develop stroke.
This has been my earnest prayers for the physician therapist to come in with positive solutions to remedies Herpes and most
Bladder problems. ...
Meningitis. ...
Rectal inflammation (proctitis).
I was so scared when he says that because I fou viral infections. I'm now free and I thank God for leading me to see others getting cured with Herbs. I decided to try and found out that the best way I would have done was to get rid of it and give my testimony. Glory to God I became free after I received his medicine from the DHL and applied as instructed. Till date I had no SYMPTOMS nor virus to detect of me, I called him and thankful for what he did,and ask if he could cure my stroke boyfriend,he said yes and did the same preparation to my boyfriend for his stroke and Recovered from it. Nothing is impossible with Herbs IN CURES, you're the next if you will be willing to apply his medicine and instructions on how to manage.
Sickness has no right to dwell on us,you can reach him at his email address
For your immediate response to health
drebacolherbalhome1@gmail.com
Cell number (WhatsApp/calls)
+2348159042641
Post a Comment