Author: Walter Crane
O all you little blackey tops, Pray don't you eat my father's crops, While I lie down to take a nap. Shua O! Shua O! If father he perchance should come, With his cocked hat and his long gun, Then you must fly and I must run. Shua O! Shua O!
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, while seemingly light and whimsical, actually reveals deeper themes of responsibility, fear, and authority. The speaker appeals to the "little blackey tops," presumably birds, to abstain from eating their father's crops. This introduces the theme of responsibility and protection, as the speaker seeks to protect their father's livelihood. Yet, there's also a tone of innocence and helplessness, emphasized by the speaker's need to nap and their fear of the father's potential reaction.
The structure of the poem, with its repeated "Shua O! Shua O!" refrain, lends it a song-like quality, perhaps reminiscent of a lullaby or nursery rhyme. This enhances the sense of childlike innocence, contrasting starkly with the potential threat of the father's "cocked hat and long gun." The poem also employs the literary device of anthropomorphism, giving human traits to the birds by pleading with them not to eat the crops.
Additionally, there's a subtle exploration of power dynamics within the poem. The speaker and the birds are both positioned as vulnerable entities who must "fly" or "run" when the authority figure (the father) arrives. In this sense, the poem might also be seen as an exploration of childhood fears and the daunting face of adult authority. Despite its simple language and playful rhythm, the poem thus conceals layers of meaning beneath its surface, making it a rich subject for interpretation.
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:
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.