The Donkey

By G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936)

So, I am reading a book about our good friend G.K., and the author made the bold claim that every school child should memorize this poem. Well, that had the perhaps unintended effect of me putting the book down, finding the poem, and trying to decide for myself if every school child really ought to memorize “The Donkey” or not. Maybe you have an opinion?

"The Donkey"

When fishes flew and forests walked
   And figs grew upon thorn,
Some moment when the moon was blood
   Then surely I was born.

With monstrous head and sickening cry
   And ears like errant wings,
The devil’s walking parody
   On all four-footed things.

The tattered outlaw of the earth,
   Of ancient crooked will;
Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb,
   I keep my secret still.

Fools! For I also had my hour;
   One far fierce hour and sweet:
There was a shout about my ears,
   And palms before my feet.

“Monstrous head and sickening cry”

Well, I suppose there is something reminiscent of the Gothic cathedrals here. I guess we should all remember the next time we see an ass, they may have once carried God.