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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE MALDIVE SHARK by HERMAN MELVILLE

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: ABOUT THE SHARK, PHLEGMATICAL ONE
Last Line: PALE RAVENER OF HORRIBLE MEAT.
Subject(s): HATE; SEA; SHARKS; OCEAN;

About the shark, phlegmatical one,
Pale sot of the Maldive sea,
The sleek little pilot-fish, azure and slim,
How alert in attendance be.
From his saw-pit of mouth, from is charnel of maw
They have nothing of harm to dread,
But liquidly glide on his ghastly flank
Or before his Gorgonian head;
Or lurk in the port of serrated teeth
In white triple tiers of glittering gates,
And there find a haven when peril's abroad,
An asylum in jaws of the Fates!

They are friends; and friendly they guide him to prey,
Yet never partake of the treat --
Eyes and brains to the dotard lethargic and dull,
Pale ravener of horrible meat.



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