Author: Walter Crane

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    Timid Hares, from the trumpeting wind,
    Fled as swift as the fear in their mind;
    Till in fright from their fear,
    From the green sedges near,
    Leaping Frogs left their terror behind.

    Our Own Are Not The Only Troubles

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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 vivid and skillful exploration of fear and the concept of relativity of troubles, using the engaging medium of nature. The author employs personification, attributing human emotions to animals, in this case, the hares and frogs, which adds depth to the narrative and allows readers to empathize with these creatures. The first four lines of the poem focus on the hares' fear of the wind, painting a picture of their frantic escape from an unseen threat. The following lines shift the focus to the frogs, which implies a universal theme of fear and survival amongst creatures, further emphasized by the punchy, standalone line, "Our Own Are Not The Only Troubles."

The structure of the poem is a limerick, known for its distinctive and rhythmic pattern, which adds a certain lightness to the otherwise heavy themes. This contrast effectively highlights the underlying irony that fear, though universally experienced, often feels singular and unique to the one experiencing it. The tone is both empathetic and contemplative, encouraging readers to consider the shared nature of fear and troubles. The poem's language is simple yet evocative, using imagery and metaphor effectively to present a profound message about shared experiences and the universality of fear.