Ellis Parker Butler (Эллис Паркер Батлер)

The Whale


The Whale is found in seas and oceans,
Indulging there in fishlike motions,
But Science shows that Whales are mammals,
Like Jersey cows, and goats, and camels.

When undisturbed, the Whale will browse
Like camels, goats, and Jersey cows,
On food that satisfies its tongue,
Thus making milk to feed its young.

Asking no costly hay and oats,
Like camels, Jersey cows, and goats,
The Whale, prolific milk producer,
Should be our cheapest lactic juicer.

Our milk should all come from the sea,
But who, I ask, would want to be—
And here the proposition fails—
The milkmaid to a herd of Whales?

Ellis Parker Butler’s other poems:

  1. Cupid Caught Napping
  2. Song for Heroes
  3. The Wood Nymph
  4. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
  5. The Sheep

Poems of other poets with the same name (Стихотворения других поэтов с таким же названием):

  • Hilaire Belloc (Хилар Беллок) The Whale (“The Whale that wanders round the Pole”)

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