Author: Guy Wetmore Carryl

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    Upon the shore, a mile or more
    From traffic and confusion,
    An oyster dwelt, because he felt
    A longing for seclusion;
    Said he: "I love the stillness of
    This spot. It's like a cloister."
    (These words I quote because, you note,
    They rhyme so well with oyster.)

    A prying rat, believing that
    She needed change of diet,
    In search of such disturbed this much-
    To-be-desired quiet.
    To say the least, this tactless beast
    Was apt to rudely roister:
    She tapped his shell, and called him--well,
    A name that hurt the oyster.

    "I see," she cried, "you're open wide,
    And, searching for a reason,
    September's here, and so it's clear
    That oysters are in season."
    She smiled a smile that showed this style
    Of badinage rejoiced her,
    Advanced a pace with easy grace,
    And sniffed the silent oyster.

    The latter's pride was sorely tried,
    He thought of what he could say,
    Reflected what the common lot
    Of vulgar molluscs would say;
    Then caught his breath, grew pale as death,
    And, as his brow turned moister,
    Began to close, and nipped her nose!
    Superb, dramatic oyster!

    We note with joy that oi polloi,
    Whom maidens bite the thumb at,
    Are apt to try some weak reply
    To things they should be dumb at.
    THE MORAL, then, for crafty men
    Is: When a maid has voiced her
    Contemptuous heart, don't think you're smart,
    But shut up--like the oyster.

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Type of Poem: Fable

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a delightful blend of humor and moral teaching, cleverly utilizing narrative and character development to convey its message. The primary theme revolves around the value of silence and discretion, as encapsulated in the oyster's reaction to the intrusive rat. The tone is light and playful, unfolding the story with a sense of whimsy that engages the reader while subtly conveying its moral teaching.

The poem employs a consistent rhyme scheme (AAABCCCB), which contributes to its overall rhythm and flow. The poet displays a clear mastery of language and rhyme, using the humorously self-aware line "(These words I quote because, you note, / They rhyme so well with oyster)" to highlight the intentional, artful construction of the poem. The poet also makes effective use of personification, endowing the oyster and rat with human emotions and characteristics, thereby transforming them into compelling characters in their own right.

As for literary devices, the poem employs irony effectively. The rat, representing an intrusive, indiscreet entity, is thwarted by the oyster's decisive action – a twist that is both amusing and satisfying. The final stanza, containing the moral of the poem, uses the Greek term 'oi polloi' (meaning 'the many' or 'the masses') to subtly point to the universal relevance of the poem's lesson.

In conclusion, this poem demonstrates a fine balance between humor, narrative, and moral instruction, effectively using structure, rhyme, personification, and irony to convey its message. Its lesson - the value of discretion and silence - is one that resonates, cleverly presented through the interaction between two unlikely characters.