How to Change a Frog Into a Prince
By Anna Denise
Start with the underwear. Sit him down.
Hopping on one leg may stir unpleasant memories.
If he gets his tights on, even backwards, praise him.
Fingers, formerly webbed, struggle over buttons.
Arms and legs, lengthened out of proportion, wait,
as you do, for the rest of him to catch up.
This body, so recently reformed, reclaimed,
still carries the marks of its time as a frog. Be gentle.
Avoid the words awkward and gawky.
Do not use tadpole as a term of endearment.
His body, like his clothing, may seem one size too big.
Relax. There's time enough for crowns. He'll grow into it.
Hopping on one leg may stir unpleasant memories.
If he gets his tights on, even backwards, praise him.
Fingers, formerly webbed, struggle over buttons.
Arms and legs, lengthened out of proportion, wait,
as you do, for the rest of him to catch up.
This body, so recently reformed, reclaimed,
still carries the marks of its time as a frog. Be gentle.
Avoid the words awkward and gawky.
Do not use tadpole as a term of endearment.
His body, like his clothing, may seem one size too big.
Relax. There's time enough for crowns. He'll grow into it.
I think it is not wholly universal, because not everyone
would understand the fairy tale allusion. If those who haven't heard the tale
believe the poem to be about a child, then it would be pretty universal.
I like this poem, because it could be talking about a young
boy who has just begun to be independent, or it could be a continuation of the Grimm
fairy tale about the frog prince. A young
child may think he is completely able to do everything by himself, but adults
know that this is not the case. Children always struggle with buttons, as
someone with new hands would. Children are more "recently formed"
than those older than them, and so are clumsier and don’t know how to control
their own bodies as well as an adult would.
I believe that this poem is incredibly truthful (not about frogs and princes but about young men in general.) I believe that boys go through puberty much differently than girls. As a girl it is seen somewhat okay if you don't change as quickly as others, but for guys its as if your life depends on it. So many people would laugh and guys when I was younger if they happened to have a voice crack while they were talking.
ReplyDeleteThis poem basically points out that young boys are awkward and gawky and they don't quite know yet what to do with themselves. They don't know how to act like a gentleman, how to act with manners, or how to even dress themselves properly. It's important to boys and men alike that they become independent at a young stage, and that is why this poem speaks of being proud at his small achievements. "Manhood" and being "manly" is so important to the male population that the change between young boy and man is so drastic and essential. I agree with Caty-Beth that boys start off like tadpoles, grow into frogs, and finally get a transformation into a prince. It just takes time.