Dreadful
Dreadful - meaning Summary
Dark Humor About Disappearance
This short poem uses a childlike voice to describe a shocking event—the baby has been eaten—turning a grotesque idea into dark, deadpan humor. Repetition and simple rhyme mimic nursery verse while the speaker oscillates between matter-of-fact acceptance, practical responses, and baffled outrage. The poem satirizes how adults and children process tragedy, exposing absurdity and emotional distance through comic understatement and a startling final gasp.
Read Complete AnalysesSomeone ate the baby. It's rather sad to say. Someone ate the baby So she won't be out to play. We'll never hear her whiney cry Or have to feel if she is dry. We'll never hear her asking 'Why?' Someone ate the baby. Someone ate the baby. It's absolutely clear Someone ate the baby 'Cause the baby isn't here. We'll give away her toys and clothes. We'll never have to wipe her nose. Dad says, 'That's the way it goes.' Someone ate the baby. Someone ate the baby. What a frightful thing to eat! Someone ate the baby Though she wasn't very sweet. It was a heartless thing to do. The policemen haven't got a clue. I simply can't imagine who Would go and (burp) eat the baby.
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