~ T 
 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Carolyn Kunin

To: Vladimir Nabokov ForumSent: Sunday, December 15, 2002 8:05 PMSubject: to a grouse (from a nit picker)

 We are mere pheasants if we can't find the poultry in the poem.Enough grousing - see PF, the poem, p1.
 

To a Grouse

O, Grouse, poultry is a funny word,
meaning "kept flock", and not "a bird."

The pheasant, ring-necked or torquated,
Though in Shade's yard, is liberated.

She's to be admired for tracks of feet,
Not kept for eggs or for her meat,

Thus a game bird, yes, that's the word,
But poultry? O, Grouse, how absurd.