[Of late the dignified Walden list]
Of late the dignified Walden list
December 11, 1999
has undergone an impish twist.
Perhaps influenced by mistletoe,
we're deconstructing H. Thoreau -
plotting his Hollywood debut,
casting him cleverly askew
with Redford or Waterson as the lead.
We're setting scenes and planting seed,
seemingly passionate to unveil
a big-screen Henry locked in jail
and walking the shores of Walden pond,
tousled hair glinting a sun-bleached blond.
It's a puzzling turn to those of us
accustomed to more learned fuss.
We wonder what's caused this change of heart --
why the infection of whimsy's dart?
Is it a result of Y2K?
Or has Henry's spirit spawned our play?
Whatever the reason, I have to grant
it's much more engaging than all the cant.
And I have the feeling, with this new spin,
if Henry were here he would join right in. ;)
Copyright © Amy Belding Brown