Robert+Graves+3rd

Born 24th July 1885 in London, Britian Died 7th December 1985 on Majorca
 * |||||| [[image:http://www.warpoets.org/images/robert_graves.jpg width="216" height="355"]]
 * __==__**Robert Graves__**==**__ || __**Robert Graves:**__

British poet, and writer, his war poems were his most famous such as David and Goliath. He was born in the upper middle class which was known for being strict and cold, but well educated. He also had a very literary history of anscestors, his great uncle Leopold Von Ranke who was a highly accomplished historian was just one of a few. Graves became a school-boxing champ in two weights(welter and middle). He later began writing poetry. When WWI was declared he decided to support the war by enlisting in the nearest town. He enlisted as an officer and joined the Royal Welsh Fusilers. ||
 * **__[[image:http://www.rvfair.org/Santa%20Barbara%20County%20Fair/strawberry.jpg width="251" height="221"]]

__**Robert Graves: Wild Straw Berries__**
Strawberries that in gardens grow Are plump and juicy fine, But sweeter far as wise men know Spring from the woodland vine.
 * __

No need for bowl or silver spoon, Sugar or spice or cream, Has the wild berry plucked in June Beside the trickling stream.

One such to melt at the tongue's root, Confounding taste with scent, Beats a full peck of garden fruit: Which points my argument.

May sudden justice overtake And snap the froward pen, That old and palsied poets shake Against the minds of men.

Blasphemers trusting to hold caught In far-flung webs of ink, The utmost ends of human thought Till nothing's left to think.

But may the gift of heavenly peace And glory for all time Keep the boy Tom who tending geese First made the nursery rhyme.

Rhyme Scheme: A B A B C D C D E F E F G H G H I J I J K L K L Reaction: I thought this poem had a lot of meanings and i didn't have just one reaction Poetic Devices: Imagery, Rhyme, Theme+Historical context: It talks about Tom who creates the first Nursery Rhyme and not to treat anyone less equal because they may one day do something great. || **__ Robert Graves: A pinch of salt __** When a dream is born in you With a sudden clamorous pain, When you know the dream is true And lovely, with no flaw nor stain, O then, be careful, or with sudden clutch You'll hurt the delicate thing you prize so much.

Dreams are like a bird that mocks, Flirting the feathers of his tail. When you seize at the salt-box, Over the hedge you'll see him sail. Old birds are neither caught with salt nor chaff: They watch you from the apple bough and laugh.

Poet, never chase the dream. Laugh yourself, and turn away. Mask your hunger; let it seem Small matter if he come or stay; But when he nestles in your hand at last, Close up your fingers tight and hold him fast.

Rhyme Scheme: A B A B C C D E D E F F G H G H I I Reaction: I thought that this poem meant that poets didnt just all of a sudden have a beautiful poem in their head they have to give it time but when it does get in your head HURRY AND WRITE IT DOWN. Poetic Devices: Rhyme, symbolism, Theme: The theme is upbeat and hopeful telling young poets to wait for your chance to shine. |||||| **__ Robert Graves: 1915 __** I’ve watched the Seasons passing slow, so slow, In the fields between La Bassée and Bethune; Primroses and the first warm day of Spring, Red poppy floods of June, August, and yellowing Autumn, so To Winter nights knee-deep in mud or snow, And you’ve been everything.

Dear, you’ve been everything that I most lack In these soul-deadening trenches—pictures, books, Music, the quiet of an English wood, Beautiful comrade-looks, The narrow, bouldered mountain-track, The broad, full-bosomed ocean, green and black, And Peace, and all that’s good.

Rhyme Scheme: A B C B A A C D E F E D D F Reaction: I thought this poem was about the seasons but when I looked closer I realized there was more to it. Poetic Devices: Rhyme, imagery, Theme+Historical context: The theme is sort of depressing or "soul-deadening" Ha. It is talking about him wanting to be with his wife during the war. ||