I’ve had a lot of things needing my attention lately. My blood pressure has increased with my stress level. My husband assures me that my temper has also escalated. So, I turned to Lewis Carroll this evening to calm my nerves and relax. I don’t think anyone can read his poetry without smiling.
I present my favorite Lewis Carroll poem from his book, Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, Jabberwocky. For those of you unfamiliar with Carroll’s work, Jabberwocky is the quintessential nonsense poem.
Jabberwocky By Lewis Carroll
’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe.
“Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun The frumious Bandersnatch!”
He took his vorpal sword in hand; Long time the manxome foe he sought— So rested he by the Tumtum tree And stood awhile in thought.
And, as in uffish thought he stood, The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame, Came whiffling through the tulgey wood, And burbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! And through and through The vorpal blade went snicker-snack! He left it dead, and with its head He went galumphing back.
“And hast thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!” He chortled in his joy.
’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe.
It’s important to take time for your mental health and happiness. I read beautiful and silly poetry when I need to calm down and return to myself. How do you relax? Thank you for reading Ozarks Maven! If you’ve enjoyed my little seeds of wisdom and joy, please subscribe to Ozarks Maven, Like Ozarks Maven on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter @OzarksMaven.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Comments