To the Wolf at the Door
The poem explores the speaker's relationship with a metaphorical wolf, representing financial hardship and creative struggle. Initially, the speaker expresses fear and dread of the wolf, which symbolizes the pressures of poverty and the challenges of artistic inspiration. In the past, the speaker's muse provided the means to fend off this threat, allowing for creativity and abundance. As the poem progresses, the speaker acknowledges a shift in circumstances. The once-dreaded wolf is now welcomed back, as the speaker's financial situation has deteriorated, leading to a renewed call for inspiration. The muse, previously responsive to the speaker's needs, has become indifferent, only responding to the urgency of hunger and necessity. The speaker's plea for the wolf's return signifies a desperate hope for creative revival, suggesting that hardship can sometimes rekindle artistic motivation. The poem ultimately reflects on the complex interplay between creativity, financial stability, and the human condition, illustrating how necessity can drive both inspiration and desperation. The wolf, once a source of fear, becomes a catalyst for the speaker's artistic revival, highlighting the paradox of how struggle can lead to renewed creativity.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Literary Fiction · 175 words
First lines
O Wolf, I do not dread thee as of yore, Time was when I would tremble in my shoes At sight of thee -- when lo! my pity'ng Muse Brought me wherewith to drive thee from the door.
And since at last, O Wolf, my waning store Has lured thee back, she will not now refuse My invocation. So I cannot choose But cry, "Help! Wolf! " that she may come once more.
Mine is a Muse that listens with disdain To any call save that of appetite; And till thou earnest all my prayers were vain, For while my purse was full, my brain was light.
Therefore, O Wolf, I welcome thee again To speed the Muse -- that I may dine to-night.
What this Textopian page supports
To the Wolf at the Door 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, Literary Fiction, Satire, Fantasy
- Length: 175 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, making it primarily a poem.
- Humor — The tone and subject matter reflect a humorous take on the relationship between creativity and financial struggle.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore deeper human experiences and emotions, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Satire — The poem critiques the relationship between artistic inspiration and material needs, fitting the satirical genre.
Tags
Poetry · Children's Literature · Fairy Tales · Fantasy · Adventure · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Animal Characters · Wolf · Door · Imagination