The mountain and the squirrel
Had a quarrel,
And the former called the latter, “little prig”:
Bun replied,
You are doubtless very big,
But all sorts of things and weather
Must be taken in together
To make up a year,
And a sphere.
And I think it no disgrace
To occupy my place.
If I’m not so large as you,
You are not so small as I,
And not half so spry:
I’ll not deny you make
A very pretty squirrel track;
Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back,
Neither can you crack a nut.

Analysis, meaning and summary of Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem Fable

15 Comments

  1. joe says:

    EVERYTHING is needed.

  2. Pker4rrange says:

    ty for commenting cuz i have a english project and i need to explain the fable and all your comments helped me ty

  3. renna mabute says:

    i like this poem because it really touches the thoughts of the readers and it can prove our way of judging to others especially those person who have more knowledge,i know some of us easy to reject those people who have poorer knowledge and some of us think that “you are wiser than you know”

  4. Leneyen says:

    nice poem,, it gives us lesson that every body on us has a unique abilities,, that could be special to our life!!!!

  5. leneyen says:

    good

  6. majha lanuza says:

    The poem is great for it communicates that no one has the right to judge someone or something by just merely looking at his/her appearance! The moral here is to be not judgmental!

  7. bob says:

    i like this poem because i like cheese and this poem reminds me of cheese!

  8. ea says:

    Yes, I realize that Emerson should be at the top of the list for the 5 most influential American poets.

  9. Alecs La Cuesta says:

    This poem is yet simple but holds deeper meaning making readers realize that people have different characteristics or the essence of being unique….
    I like the poem very much…and I guess Anyone who’ll read it will feel the same….

  10. John. K. Thomas says:

    This is a precious gem among poems. raising in our insightedness the words of Jesus to regard the least among us that is the great thing you have done to me. Mighty we may think but you are a member of migty and weak which make our life joyous.

  11. Yo Mama says:

    I think that this poem is a very good and nice poem to be written.

  12. Ellie says:

    I learned this poem by heart while in school, many, many years ago. It’s a lovely poem pointing out that every thing in this world has it’s strengths and uses, no matter the size or the shape.

  13. Elliot says:

    its kinda weird

  14. Sam says:

    This is the best poem I have ever read.

  15. Marco says:

    It is romantic loveable cute ona very manly hard to describe.

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