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The Earthworm's Monologue
Elizabeth Jennings
About Elizabeth Jennings
Elizabeth Jennings (1926--2001) was an English poet. She published her first collection of poetry in 1953 and famous for her consistent devotion to poetry. Jennings wrote over twenty books on poetry including New Collected poems.
Birds prey on me, fish are fond of my flesh
My body is like a sausage, it lacks the snake's
Sinuous splendour and colour. Yes, I'm absurd.
Yet I also till and soften the soil,. I prepare
The way for flowers, Spring depends upon me
At least a little. Mock me if you will,
Cut me in half, I'll come together again.
But haven't you felt a fool, hated your shape,
Wanted to hide? If so I am your friend;
I would sympathise with you were I not so busy
But bend down over me, you who are not yet tall
And be proud of all you contain in a body so small.
−Elizabeth Jennings
Available Answers
- 1.
State whether the following sentences are true or false.
- The earthworm preys on fish and birds.
- It tills and softens the soil for flowers.
- If you cut the earthworm, it can never come back together.
- The earthworm mocks at people's funny shapes.
- The earthworm teaches the lesson of bravery.
- 2.
What are the strengths of an earthworm?
- 3.
What one quality of the earthworm is unique?
- 4.
Who is the earthworm addressing to in the second stanza?
- 5.
Write a paragraph on the message that the poem conveys.
- 6.
Sinuous splendour and colour. Yes! I'm absurd.
- Who is I in the above-mentioned lines?
- Why does the poet refer to sinuous splendor?
- Do you think I is worried about being mocked at?
- Why is I ready to sympathise?
- What is I asking the young reader to do?
- What is the lesson taught by I towards the end of the poem?
7 more answer(s) available.