The Pattern

Read 'The Pattern' by 'Russell Edson' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

The Pattern by Russell Edson

 A women had given birth to an old man.

 He cried to have again been caught in the pattern.

 Oh well, he sighed as he took her breast to his mouth.

 The woman is happy to have her baby, even if it is old.

 Probably it got mislaid in the baby place, and when they 
found it and saw that it was a little too ripe, they said, 
well, it is good enough for this woman who is almost 
deserving of nothing.

 She wonders if she is the only mother with a baby old 
enough to be her father.

Form: Prose Poetry 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