Classic and Contemporary Poetry
MOCKING BIRD AND THE DONKEY, by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A mock-bird in a village | ||||||||
A mock-bird in a village Had somehow gained the skill To imitate the voices Of animals at will. And singing in his prison, Once, at the close of day, He gave, with great precision, The donkey's heavy bray. Well pleased, the mock-bird's master Sent to the neighbors 'round, And bade them come together To hear that curious sound. They came, and all were talking In praise of what they heard, And one delighted lady Would fain have bought the bird. A donkey listened sadly, And said: "Confess I must That these are shallow people, And terribly unjust. I'm bigger than the mock-bird, And better bray than he, Yet not a soul has uttered A word in praise of me." | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A MEDITATION ON RHODE ISLAND COAL by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT A WINTER PIECE by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT AMERICA (1) by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT ANTIQUITY OF FREEDOM by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT AUTUMN WOODS by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT DANTE by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT GREEN RIVER by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT HYMN OF THE CITY by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT INSCRIPTION FOR THE ENTRANCE TO A WOOD by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT JUNE (1) by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT MONUMENT MOUNTAIN by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT ODE FOR THE BURIAL OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT |
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