Ergo, the Ogre

A large, sprawling oak tree with thick branches covered in green moss, surrounded by lush greenery in a natural setting.

Today’s mission at the dVerse Poets Pub is to choose a quote from the modernist Bohemian writer, Franz Kafka (one of my all-time faves!) and create from it a nursery rhyme.

I’ve chosen, “I am a cage, in search of a bird.” from The Blue Octavo Notebooks

 

Kafka for Kids!

I am a cage, in search of a bird.

I am a lake, in search of fish

a sentence, in search of a word

a well in search of a wish.

 

I am an ocean, in search of a sea

a tree in search of wood

a dog in search of a flea

I am bad in search of good.

 

But more than anything,

I am myself in search of me.

 

 

 

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Ergo, the Ogre

Susan Marie Shuman is an author and freelance writer/editor who currently resides in the wilds of Birmingham, AL. She shares her life with two spoiled cats, several friends (not all of them imaginary) and one husband. When she’s not working, Susan enjoys horseback riding, reading, taking her cats for a spin in their pet stroller, and taking naps. An ex-bartender, recovering crash test dummy, and all-around late bloomer, Susan graduated from the University of South Alabama in 2004 with a BA in English. She minored in Russian. Long-range goals include visiting Israel, the Czech Republic and Liechtenstein. Susan is also planning to launch a micronation which would be called either Suzannistan or Eastern Suzanorovia.

17 responses to “The Search”

  1. Gospel Isosceles Avatar
    Gospel Isosceles

    We sometimes miss what’s right in front of us, or no, what comprises us when we focus too much on the search, always looking outside. This would make an excellent children’s story (as well as a poem in its own right) and I hope you pursue it.

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Thank you, Gospel. Good idea!

      Reply
  2. Reena Saxena Avatar
    Reena Saxena

    Lovely flow of words and energy …

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Thank you Reena!

      Reply
  3. rivrvlogr Avatar
    rivrvlogr

    An ongoing search for many of us.

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Indeed!

      Reply
  4. kim881 Avatar
    kim881

    Wonderful, Susan! This quote is turning out to be a favourite and has inspired many lovely children’s poems! Your rhyming and repetition are perfect for a children’s poem, as is the ending.

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Thanks, Kim. Much appreciated. I’ve never tried writing for children. Hmmm…

      Reply
  5. Glenn A. Buttkus Avatar
    Glenn A. Buttkus

    Lots to chew on here. I liked/me in search of myself/. A list poem works well for a twisted child’s tale.

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Thanks, Glenn!

      Reply
  6. Candace Avatar
    Candace

    a sweet and thoughtful tale

    Reply
  7. Chelsea Owens Avatar
    Chelsea Owens

    👏👏 Great!

    Reply
  8. Frank Hubeny Avatar
    Frank Hubeny

    Very nice. I especially liked: “a well in search of a wish.”

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      I liked that part too, Frank. :-)

      Reply
  9. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar
    Björn Rudberg (brudberg)

    I love this… what a very simple and complete message.. love the flea in search of a dog.

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Thank you, Bjorn!

      Reply
  10. Linda Lee Lyberg Avatar
    Linda Lee Lyberg

    Wonderful. This quote stood out for many!

    Reply

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