Counting Sheep

 A scientist has a test tube full of sheep. He 
wonders if he should try to shrink a pasture 
for them. 
 They are like grains of rice. 
 He wonders if it is possible to shrink something 
out of existence. 
 He wonders if the sheep are aware of their tininess, 
if they have any sense of scale. Perhaps they think 
the test tube is a glass barn ... 
 He wonders what he should do with them; they 
certainly have less meat and wool than ordinary 
sheep. Has he reduced their commercial value? 
 He wonders if they could be used as a substitute 
for rice, a sort of wolly rice . . . 
 He wonders if he shouldn't rub them into a red paste 
between his fingers. 
 He wonders if they are breeding, or if any of them 
have died. 
He puts them under a microscope, and falls asleep 
counting them . . .

Form: Free verse Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace