The Clod and the Pebble
by Bill Yarrow
The Clod and the Pebble
(After William Blake)
“Lightning has more longevity than I,”
said the clod. “That,” said the pebble
“is what comes of not being hard.”
“Hardness is just not in my nature.”
“Then accept your fate: you will be crushed
into mud, while I will retain my form.” “Yes,
you will retain your form and that ensures
your fate: to be shot from a slingshot
at sparrows, to skim forever the surface
of a pond, to be a bitter irritant in a shoe.
But I, I, am part of a larger whole. I will build
a house, I will dam a stream, I can be a salve.”
The stiff ego of the pebble—indistinguishable
from the soft haughtiness of the brutish clod.
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Author's Note
This poem appeared in the Blue Five Notebook Poet Special issue (13.2).
Thanks, Sam Rasnake and Michelle Elvy!
After the poem of the same name by William Blake
Clever reworking.*
Yes. *
Fables and parables still have their powers.
to be shot from a slingshot
at sparrows, to skim forever the surface
of a pond, to be a bitter irritant in a shoe..
Beautifully done ***
Love a poem with a message.
You are always at the top of your game, my friend. A+ / *
Well done! *
Thank you, Amanda, Beate, Gary, Javed, Jake, and Charlotte. Kind comments. Glad you liked this poem.
"But I, I, am part of a larger whole. I will build
a house, I will dam a stream, I can be a salve."
My goodness. *
Thank you, Sam!
I'm smiling with the pleasure. Fave
"Then accept your fate: you will be crushed."*
Thanks, Nonnie and Gary, for commenting and faving.