
The Wild Knight and other Poems: the Donkey
The Wild Knight and Other Poems is a collection of poems by G.K. Chesterton that was first published in 1900. The book includes the poem "The Donkey," which tells the story of a donkey who carries Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1900 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Allegory · 142 words
First lines
When fishes flew and forests walked And figs grew upon thorn, Some moment when the moon was blood Then surely I was born;
With monstrous head and sickening cry And ears like errant wings, The devil's walking parody On all four-footed things.
The tattered outlaw of the earth, Of ancient crooked will; Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb, I keep my secret still.
Fools! For I also had my hour; One far fierce hour and sweet: There was a shout about my ears, And palms before my feet.
What this Textopian page supports
The Wild Knight and other Poems: the Donkey is listed on Textopian as a poem by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1900 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: G.K. Chesterton
- Date: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Allegory, Fantasy, Satire
- Length: 142 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Wild Knight and other Poems: the Donkey by G.K. Chesterton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Wild Knight and other Poems: the Donkey?
- How does this poem by G.K. Chesterton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its themes.
- Religious — The poem contains allusions to biblical events and figures, such as the donkey's role in the story of Jesus.
- Allegory — The poem uses the donkey as a symbolic figure to convey deeper moral and philosophical messages.
- Fantasy — The imagery of flying fishes and walking forests suggests a fantastical setting.
Tags
poetry · narrative · fantasy · animal · allegory · humor · whimsy · imagination · childhood · adventure · morality · fable
More by G.K. Chesterton