Author: Eugene Field
Play that my knee was a calico mare Saddled and bridled for Bumpville; Leap to the back of this steed, if you dare, And gallop away to Bumpville! I hope you'll be sure to sit fast in your seat, For this calico mare is prodigiously fleet, And many adventures you're likely to meet As you journey along to Bumpville. This calico mare both gallops and trots While whisking you off to Bumpville; She paces, she shies, and she stumbles, in spots, In the tortuous road to Bumpville; And sometimes this strangely mercurial steed Will suddenly stop and refuse to proceed, Which, all will admit, is vexatious indeed, When one is en route to Bumpville! She's scared of the cars when the engine goes "Toot!" Down by the crossing at Bumpville; You'd better look out for that treacherous brute Bearing you off to Bumpville! With a snort she rears up on her hindermost heels, And executes jigs and Virginia reels - Words fail to explain how embarrassed one feels Dancing so wildly to Bumpville! It's bumpytybump and it's jiggytyjog, Journeying on to Bumpville It's over the hilltop and down through the bog You ride on your way to Bumpville; It's rattletybang over boulder and stump, There are rivers to ford, there are fences to jump, And the corduroy road it goes bumpytybump, Mile after mile to bumpville! Perhaps you'll observe it's no easy thing Making the journey to Bumpville, So I think, on the whole, it were prudent to bring An end to this ride to Bumpville; For, though she has uttered no protest or plaint, The calico mare must be blowing and faint - What's more to the point, I'm blowed if I ain't! So play we have got to Bumpville!
Type of Poem: Narrative Poem
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 romp through the imaginative landscape of a child's playtime, with a buoyant tone that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The theme centers around a playful, imaginative journey, with the "calico mare" serving as a metaphor for the knee of the narrator, likely an adult playing with a child.
The structure of the poem, with its repetitive end-rhyme scheme, lends itself to a sing-song rhythm, which enhances the playful, childlike tone. The consistent mention of "Bumpville" at the end of each stanza creates anticipation and continuity throughout the journey.
The poem is rich in imagery and playful linguistic devices, such as onomatopoeia ("bumpytybump," "jiggytyjog," "rattletybang") which bring the journey to life by engaging the reader's auditory senses and adding to the jovial tone. The poet also effectively uses humor to invite readers to share in the lightheartedness of the journey, as seen in the line "Words fail to explain how embarrassed one feels/Dancing so wildly to Bumpville!"
In conclusion, the poem is a charming exploration of the joys of imaginative play, showcasing the power of language to create vivid, engaging scenarios that transport the reader into the heart of the narrative. The combination of rhythm, rhyme, humor, and vivid imagery results in a delightful reading experience that appeals to both children and adults.
Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.
Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:
From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.