Boxer, Boxer (There's a Good Lad)

Boxer, Boxer (There’s a Good Lad)

Boxer, Boxer.

Where did you go?

These chains become you,

don’t you know?

Boxer, Boxer.

Come back to work.

The wood chips burn in the oven,

It’s time to go.

Boxer, Boxer.

Come on give a smile.

There’s a good lad.

Author's Note

*Boxer comes from Animal Farm by George Orwell.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This is brilliant. I'm jealous of your intellect, to come up with this clever treatment of this character. Pardon me for copying the significance of what you're saying, in case others do not check it out . . . I am in awe of you for throwing down something so simple, so pared back, but so fulsome & with such impact! Very pertinent to our historical & current struggles (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

The most sympathetically drawn character in the novel, Boxer epitomizes all of the best qualities of the exploited working classes: dedication, loyalty, and a huge capacity for labor. He also, however, suffers from what Orwell saw as the working class’s major weaknesses: a naïve trust in the good intentions of the intelligentsia and an inability to recognize even the most blatant forms of political corruption. Exploited by the pigs as much or more than he had been by Mr. Jones, Boxer represents all of the invisible labor that undergirds the political drama being carried out by the elites. Boxer’s pitiful death at a glue factory dramatically illustrates the extent of the pigs’ betrayal. It may also, however, speak to the specific significance of Boxer himself: before being carted off, he serves as the force that holds Animal Farm together.

[Diana]

Thank you for your review. Boxer is a favorite of mine. I do believe I see myself in him, but alas, I must shake off some of those shackles.

[Michael (Letters and Li..]

"These chains become you, don't you know?"..... Chilling line. I love that and I love this poem. This is a real brilliant piece. And I love the reference to Animal Farm!

[Diana]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed!

[Lydia Shutter]

We tend to fall back into the routine we know...the safe zone. I remember "Animal Farm" so well....great book. I liked your poem, Diana. Lydi**

[Diana]

Thank you, Lydi.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

so long ago that i read that.....but i really like how the poem speaks to me...reminds me of a poem called "toads"

as much as we want to break those chains...we sometimes want to break out of the routine of life...and yet the safety net of just existing, no dares, no new cares...kind of draws us in...

j.

[Diana]

Yes, a good text. One I need to re-read... You captured the tension of the poem in your review, thanks! Good to hear from you, Jacob. :)