Friday Poetry: E. V. Rieu

Happy Friday!

What will everyone be reading this weekend? I am hoping to finish Divine Might by Natalie Haynes and start a new book but as per usual I’m not sure what.

My chosen poem today is by E. V. Rieu (1887-1972). Rieu was a celebrated translator and editor, and the man behind the Penguin Classics range. In his spare time he wrote poetry for children.

The Flattered Flying Fish

Said the Shark to the Flying Fish over the phone:
'Will you join me tonight? I am dining alone.
Let me order a nice little dinner for two!
And come as you are, in your shimmering blue.'

Said the Flying Fish: 'Fancy remembering me, 
And the dress that I wore at the Porpoises' Tea!'
'How could I forget?' said the Shark in his guile:
'I expect you at eight!' and rang off with a smile. 

She has powdered her nose; she has put on her things;
She is off with one flap of her luminous wings.
O little one, lovely, light hearted and vain,
The Moon will not shine on your beauty again! 

E. V. Rieu

Happy Reading