The Purple Cow
The Purple Cow
Poem
Reflections on a Mythic Beast,
Who's Quite Remarkable, at Least.
I never saw a Purple Cow,
I never hope to see one;
But I can tell you, anyhow,
I'd rather see than be one.
Notes
Written by Gelett Burgess (1866 – 1951).
Gelett Burgess became widely known for The Purple Cow poem. So much so that later he wrote this poem:
Cinq Ans Apres. [5 years later]
(Confession: and a Portrait, Too,
Upon a Background that I Rue!)
Ah, yes! I wrote the "Purple Cow"-
I'm Sorry, now, I wrote it!
But I can tell you, anyhow,
I'll kill you if you quote it!
The Purple Cow poem was parodied by many poets. Here's an anonymous one that was well-known:
I've never seen a purple cow.
My eyes with tears are full.
I've never seen a purple cow,
And I'm a purple bull.
Thanks and Acknowledgements
Illustration by Gelett Burgess, edited by Lisa.
