Jabberwocky

Jabberwocky in the woods

A strange shadow you can see

Big and hairy, the creature stood

But, unlike humans, he will not kill

Enchanted forest is his home

Red fiery eyes, a dragon’s tail

Wocky, sensing danger, goes hiding in his cave

One day he will see, he indeed cannot be safe

Creature of the forest, he only wants you to stay away

Know your place, human, the forest is no place for you to be

You must keep your distance, do not trespass, do not kill, just go away!

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©️Susan Fourtané, 2025 - All rights reserved

Author’s Notes:

My acrostic poem Jabberwocky is a social commentary criticising humans destroying woods, forests, and wild life. Humans are increasingly destroying natural habitats, hunting and killing wild animals. Jabberwocky here represent every wild animal, big or small, living quietly in their habitat, in danger to have their home destroyed or their lives ended for no reason.

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The original Jabberwocky is a fictional character/creature created by English writer and mathematician Lewis Carroll, and featured in his nonsense poem ‘Jabberwocky,’ that was first published in 1871 as part of his novel ‘Through the Looking Glass,’ the sequel to ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.’ In the poem, a father warns his son about the fearsome Jabberwock. The son sets out with his enchanted sword to confront and ultimately slay the creature, returning triumphant to his father’s embrace.

Carroll’s poem ‘Jabberwocky’ is celebrated for its inventive use of language, incorporating numerous made-up words, many of which are blends of two existing words such as “slithy” (combining slimy and lithe) and “mimsy” (miserable and flimsy). These imaginative terms contribute to the poem’s whimsical and fantastical atmosphere.

Despite its nonsensical vocabulary, the poem follows a coherent narrative structure, making it a prime example of nonsense verse that still conveys a clear story. Its playful language and adventurous theme have made ‘Jabberwocky’ a classic in English literature, appealing to both children and adults alike.

Watch below a short video of Lewis Carroll’s illustrated poem ‘Jabberwocky:’

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Acrostic for Ellie’s Wonderland poetry challenge: Day 24: Prompt: Jabberwocky