The Turtle by Oliver Herford (1910)

Name: The Turtle
Author: Oliver Herford

The poem explores the speaker's contrasting feelings towards two types of turtles: the sea turtle and the turtle dove. Initially, the speaker expresses disdain for the sea turtle, describing it as the "lowest of the low" due to its aquatic nature. The imagery evokes a sense of repulsion, highlighting the speaker's lack of affection for this creature. In stark contrast, the speaker finds beauty and emotional resonance in the turtle dove, particularly during the spring mating season. The soft, plaintive cooing of the doves stirs deep feelings, evoking nostalgia and tenderness. This juxtaposition illustrates the speaker's appreciation for the dove's romantic and soothing qualities, which stand in stark opposition to the perceived vulgarity of the sea turtle. Despite the speaker's aversion to the sea turtle, a surprising twist occurs when the mention of "Green Turtle Soup" elicits a change in attitude. The speaker admits to indulging in the dish, revealing a complex relationship with the turtle that combines both disdain and culinary desire. This contradiction underscores the theme of inconsistency in human emotions and preferences, suggesting that even the most unappealing aspects of nature can be transformed into something desirable under certain circumstances. Overall, the work reflects on the complexities of affection, the nature of beauty, and the paradoxes inherent in human taste and sentiment. The speaker's journey from aversion to appreciation encapsulates a broader commentary on how perceptions can shift based on context and personal experience.

By Oliver Herford · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Nature · 223 words

First lines

I never wasted any love On turtles, but the turtle-dove Is quite another thing; When I have nothing else to do, I love to hear them bill and coo While mating in the spring.

There's something in their plaintive note That brings a lump into my throat And makes my pulses stir; Something between a smothered snore And the shrill creaking of a door, That soothes me, as it were.

How strange is Nature's alchemy, To think that living in the sea Should change a creature so! The turtle of the finny kind That swims the sea, is to my mind The lowest of the low.

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The Turtle is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oliver Herford, dated 1910 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Oliver Herford
Date: 1910 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Humor, Nature, Satire, Lyric
Length: 223 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
Humor — The poem uses wit and irony to convey the speaker's conflicting feelings about turtles and turtle soup.
Nature — The poem reflects on aspects of nature, particularly the behavior of turtles and turtle-doves.
Satire — The poem critiques societal norms regarding food and nature through a humorous lens.