11-14-2013, 03:09 AM
(11-13-2013, 10:37 PM)Charlesjoseph Wrote: I've tried to read it first without the contextual explanation at the end, and then once more with it.Now, here's my suggestions after reading the context. The poem is a bit dark (nothing wrong with that), as to me, it seems as if the speaker takes advantage of Willy, knowing full well of his disabilities, just for his own amusement. That works perfectly fine, if that's the voice you intended. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems based off the explanation, mainly with "However, a child...", that part of the poem's focus is also on the child's perspective. I don't get much of that when I read this. If that wasn't your intention, I think it would be a neat experiment (although it would require some overhaul) to add a few stanza's in about the child's perspective.
The ballad of Dancing Willy Rabbit Heart
Dance Willy dance,
I gave you a penny so make me laugh,
everyone knows you're crazy except you. I really like the idea of the last two lines, but the last one ending with 'you' doesn't sit well with me
That's it Willy,
you beautiful black bastard,
move those arms, wobble those legs,
in a spittle stained T-shirt and polyester pants. I feel like the importance of this stanza is the last line, which shows Willy's both mental and economic state. That being true (if it is), the line before it needs to change somehow to lead into that. That being said, I like the phrase 'wobble those legs'. It enforces the idea that Willy just isn't really all there, as 'wobbling legs' is a really odd image
Dance Willy dance,
yellow eyed and wretched, What is wretched?
grey side chops and lobotomy scar,
everyone knows you're crazy except you. Same as before about this line. Something about the 'except you' doesn't sit well with me
That's it Willy,
act the child for children,
clap them hands shake them hips,
here's another penny now, dance, dance, dance.
Dance Willy dance
old then, dead now
pine scented but unforgettable
everyone thought you were crazy except you.
Well done Willy,
you moved those arms and wobbled those legs,
you clapped them hands and shook them hips,
your eyes covered with pennies,
now rest Willy rest. You could probably do without this stanza, as it just restates everything, and the last stanza is just fine as a closer
Information about this poem
Dancing Willy lived in my neighborhood when I was a child. He was also a fixture in the park that I used to play in. If someone gave him a penny, he would dance and everyone would laugh at him. He was harmless and docile because of a scar on his head. When I look back on it, his story is obviously sad. However, a child generally only sees things at face value. I didn't realize what we were doing was actually wrong and that he was afflicted. I only saw a guy who would dance for a penny. I figure I owe him a little more for his time considering how fresh his image remains in my thoughts. I set these lines this way for clarity, and I am open to all suggestions.
Thank you in advance for your time.
Chazz
Overall, a good poem, definitely somber, so you set that mood right. Good luck mate!

