Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


MR. PHILOSOPHER by ROBERT RANKE GRAVES

Poet Analysis

First Line: OLD MR. PHILOSOPHER
Last Line: SAYS BEN TO CLAIRE.

OLD Mr. Philosopher
Comes for Ben and Claire,
An ugly man, a tall man,
With bright-red hair.

The books that he's written
No one can read.
"In fifty years they'll understand:
Now there's no need.

"All that matters now
Is getting the fun.
Come along, Ben and Claire;
Plenty to be done."

Then old Philosopher,
Wisest man alive,
Plays at Lions and Tigers
Down along the drive --

Gambolling fiercely
Through bushes and grass,
Making monstrous mouths,
Braying like an ass,

Twisting buttercups
In his orange hair,
Hopping like a kangaroo,
Growling like a bear.

Right up to tea-time
They frolic there.
"My legs are wingle,"
Says Ben to Claire.




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