The Friday Poem on 14/03/2024
There is little, if any, ‘poetic’ language in this poem but it’s a beautiful exposition of syntactical advances, and tone. The title grabs our attention. The short sharp sentences in the opening stanza and compelling and punchy, and the idea is fun. Throughout, at the back of the reader’s mind, is ‘Never smile at a crocodile’. What’s going on here – are we learning to speak crocodile to an actual crocodile, or is this some kind of human-to-human interaction, in which the body language of crocodiles is wholly relevant? Finally, at the end, the actor gets to speak. This is what all the training was leading towards. All they say is ‘Aaah’. To say this (read the poem aloud) you have to open your mouth. You have to show your teeth. And ‘aah’ is all crocodiles ever say, so far as we know. What’s going to happen next?
How to Speak Crocodile
Better not to speak at all. Be circumspect.
Encourage others to speak out. Offer tender grunts,
maintaining contact, withholding comment.
The barest nod, a movement of the eyes,
an inclination of the head.
Remain engaged. Keep distant.
It’s a long game, it’s such a long game.
Open wide the door of argument, debate.
Nod sagely. Move infinitesimally closer.
Wait until they’re nearly spoken out.
You are abashed. You’re so impressed.
Attempt to indicate how much.
Ahhh!
Allow your mouth to open.
