A Whimsical and Wonderful Poem
A poem that provides relief from this cynical world.
Little Folks in the Grass
by Annette Wynne
In the grass
"A thousand little people pass,
And all about a myriad little eyes look out,
For there are houses every side
Where the little folks abide,
Where the little folks take tea
On a grass blade near a tree;
Where they hold their Sabbath meetings,
Pass each other, giving greetings,
So remember when you pass
Through the grass;
Little folks are everywhere;
Walk quite softly, take great care
Lest you hurt them unaware,
Lest the giant that is YOU
Pull a house down with his shoe,
Pull a house down, roof and all,
Killing children, great and small;
So the wee eyes look at you
As you walk the meadows through,
So remember when you pass
Through the grass!"
It’s a coincidence that this poem appeared on the daily Poem of the Day website. Last night I was rereading Tara Brach’s book, “Radical Acceptance.” Brach is a clinical psychologist and Buddhist mindful meditation expert. When her son was six, she bought him an ant farm. He watched the behavior of the ants with fascination. One of the fascinating things he discovered was how the ants cared for one another even as they worked. When an ant died, they buried it in their cemetery. It was a wonderful lesson in the value of all living creatures.
The poem:
It is a very sweet and whimsical poem about a miniature world between the blades of grass. These bring about a rush to one's mind, flowing together on a magic carpet of imagery and gentle rhythm, painting miniatures of the lives and adventures of these tiny beings.
The poem casts an eye on the world, often glancing over the earth below our feet. Wynne uses these words to evoke a feeling of awe and curiosity, along with a sense of being sucked into a whole new extraordinary world wherein the readers might imagine themselves small enough to live in the grass. The shifting perspective is central to this theme because the reader must take it all in and think about the beauty and complexity of nature's littlest creatures.
Wynne personifies the "little folks" by attributing their actions and emotions to humans. The personification enhances the relatability of the poem. It stresses that every bit of a living thing connects with another part. Visualizing the grass as a busy village in the poem establishes empathy and respect for even those tiny creatures. It suggests that, no matter how small, every being has its own story and significance.
The imagery in the poem is very strong, painting vivid pictures of this miniature world. Expressions like "tiny homes of gossamer thread" and "whispered secrets of the flowers" do a lot towards creating very fragile and complex pictures. Such descriptions would cause a graphic presentation in the reader's mind, forming a picture of the concealed beauty amidst the grass.
Wynne uses rhyme and rhythm to make the piece musical, adding to its overall whimsical and playful quality. The regular beat and flowing lines give a sense of movement that is meandering and gentle, like the creatures weaving through the grass. He's painting the ideal sense of harmony and tranquility in his images. This musicality also creates a quality that makes the poem quite easy to speak out loud, trapping the reader in this world of charm.
Through its text, "Little Folks in the Grass" glorifies nature and recalls the wonder of things in this world that can be found in the most unexpected places. It calls for an appreciation of the environment and a sense of wonder. The significance of the life such tiny creatures lead makes it clear why their existence is valuable and noteworthy.
Also, throughout this poem, themes of community and coexistence are explored. These "little folks" in the grass seem to coexist so righteously with one another, adding to the world's richness. It is a gentle reminder that respect for the delicate balance within nature fosters empathy with intertwined feelings.
The poem's lesson is to peek into the little world hidden underfoot. The poem describes, with the help of graphic images, personifications, and rhythmic flow, the beauty and complexity of nature's tiniest inhabitants. It brings a feeling of awe and inspiration toward the natural world, indicating the meaning of the interconnectedness of living things and the importance of looking at the world with varied eyes.
I’m a realist. Nevertheless, I pray for a better world where we value all living things, including humanity.
