Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PEEWEE by ALFRED FRANCIS KREYMBORG

First Line: IS IT A WISH - THAT TINY TIN WHISTLE
Last Line: OR MUCH TOO LOCAL TO BE CONTINENTAL?
Subject(s): WHISTLES & WHISTLING;

Is it a wish -- that tiny tin whistle
Out on a leafless branch throwing a missile,

Wrapped in a dip and a lift, like a bow
Of rain turned somersault, curve down below:

Tip-dip-tipping a phrase and a blow,
Releasing a flute in a piccolo,

And striking an ear with a short, thin dart,
Pinning a secret one hides in a heart?

If it isn't a wish, why does it tarry?
If it wasn't fulfilled, how far did it carry?

Was it too stunted to be sentimental?
Or much too local to be continental?



Home: PoetryExplorer.net