Golden Egg.

By James McIntyre

Fable
            In ancient times we have been told             A goose did lay an egg of gold,             She did produce one every day,             So regular this goose did lay.             But her stupid foolish master             Wanted her to lay them faster,             And he at last the goose did kill,             Gold grist no more came to his mill.             But a strange tale we now unfold,             In California's mines of gold,             There they keep both hens and chickens,             'Mong the gravel scratching pickings.             But hens do find the golden shiner,             Is too heavy for their dinner,             For it they cannot well digest,             As it lies solid in their breast.             Then they are slain and you behold             In their craw the shining gold,             Made up of particles so fine,             The purest gold in all the mine.             Then how happy is the miner,             When he has sweet fowl for dinner,             And he doth find within its craw,             A little golden bonanza.             And in Ontario the hen             Is worthy of the poet's pen,             For she doth well deserve the praise             Bestowed on her for her fine lays.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem employs a traditional, folkloric narrative structure, with a clear three-act progression that unfolds through a series of stanzas. The poem's meter is primarily iambic tetrameter, with a consistent rhyme scheme and lineation that contributes to its rustic, oral feel. The voice is conversational and tongue-in-cheek, with a tone that oscillates between playful and satirical. A significant structural turn occurs in the third stanza, as the poem shifts from a fantastical, mythical tale to a more grounded, realistic account of the California gold rush. The poem's use of imagery and sound is notable for its clever exploitation of the tension between the fantastical and the mundane. The golden shiner that hens cannot digest becomes a potent symbol of the elusiveness of wealth, while the shining gold in the hen's craw serves as a darkly comedic counterpoint to the miner's own fortune. One precise observation is that the poem's final stanza, which praises the hen for its fine lays, is a clever subversion of the earlier tale, suggesting that even the most unlikely creatures can be worthy of praise and admiration.

Understanding Fables

A fable is a timeless form of storytelling, typically featuring animals as characters that embody human traits, all while conveying a moral lesson. These short narratives have been used throughout history to impart wisdom, offering insights that remain relevant across generations.

Fables stand out for their simplicity and clarity, often concluding with a lesson that is easy to understand and remember. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Animal Characters: The main characters are often animals that represent human behaviors and characteristics, making the stories both engaging and relatable.
  • Concise Narrative: Fables are brief and focused, with each story centering around a single event or interaction that leads to a moral conclusion.
  • Moral Lesson: The purpose of a fable is to teach a lesson, which is usually stated clearly at the end, offering practical advice or ethical guidance.

From Aesop's ancient tales to modern adaptations, fables continue to be a powerful tool for education and moral reflection, resonating with audiences of all ages.