Vol.2 (03) - Peacock Pie

Peacock Pie

Ferrick Gray

Snippets
Volume 2, Issue 3 (May 29)

Peacock Pie
A Book of Rhymes
by Walter de la Mare

with embellishments
by C. Lovat Fraser

Constable & Company Ltd. 1924

Prefatory Remarks

⠀ I would imagine that most readers of poetry have come across the work of Walter de la Mare, at least I would hope this is the case. He is widely known for his stories and poetry, especially children’s poetry. Peacock Pie is one of his best collections, and has certainly been one of his most successful publications.

Cruel Society

Ferrick Gray

Poetry Showcase
May 14

Prefatory Remarks

Elision

⠀ The three instances of common elision in this poem are essentially identical being for never and ever. These were initially elided to n’er and e’er. However, being the only three, they appeared rather strange when met in the verses. The reason for this elision was to keep with meter without lengthening the verses.

Stanza 1, Verse 2 (never for n’er)
Stanza 9, Verse 1 (ever for e’er)
Stanza 10, Verse 1 (never for n’er)

⠀ Reflecting on the reason for elision, I decided to replace the elided forms with their non-elided forms as the elided forms were distracting (to a point) and unnecessary. Those recognizing the meter as iambic pentameter would soon realize how to say these words without violating the meter. (See examples after the poem.)

Vol.2 (02) - "Come Hither"

“Come Hither”

A Collection of Rhymes & Poems for the Young of all Ages.

(Made By)
Walter de la Mare
1948 Reprint

Ferrick Gray

Snippets
Volume 2, Issue 2 (May 1)

Prefatory Comments

⠀ Often it is far better that when reviewing a collection of verses or essays, it is done using more quotes rather than rephrasing the author’s original words. In what follows, I have attempted this due to the unique nature of this volume.