Little Green Man

Summary

A humorous poem tells the tale of a child's jealousy towards a "Little Green Man" who has seemingly won the affection of their granny.

Abstract

The poem "Little Green Man" humorously explores the theme of jealousy and acceptance through the eyes of a child who observes an alien-like figure with peculiar characteristics. The green man, who smells of "old hay and pie crust" and walks with an unusual gait, arrives in the family's field and quickly endears himself to the child's granny. The child feels replaced as the green man ingratiates himself to granny, leading to a moment of reckoning where the child acknowledges defeat but vows to return with a new perspective, hoping for equal affection from granny regardless of their differences.

Opinions

The author playfully suggests that the green man's differences, such as his smell and pallor, are endearing rather than off-putting.
There is a subtle commentary on the ease with which children can feel replaced or forgotten, as seen in the child's jealousy over granny's affection.
The poem conveys a message of acceptance and unity, as the child dreams of a future where differences (being green or blue) no longer matter to granny's love.
The green man's wink to the child implies a shared secret or understanding, suggesting that the child is not entirely left out of the new dynamic.
The child's reaction to the situation, while initially negative, evolves to a more hopeful and inclusive outlook, indicating personal growth and the potential for reconciliation.

A humorous poem about differences

This man smells a little different — like old hay and pie crust, You’ll notice if you close your eyes Lean in, sniff hard, focus you must.

He has a green pallor, like he’s eaten something bad But in your heart you know for sure He’s just a strapping alien lad.

He walks a little different too — Can you tell, against the light? Two steps with the left foot, a shuffle, then one to the right.

He landed on an afternoon in the middle of granny’s field, When I was watching from the window, My fate was now sealed.

As he waddled up the driveway, he gave me one fat wink, Enmeshing me in his conspiracy, My heart started to sink.

Ingratiating himself to granny! While I watched helplessly She loved him more than me! I noticed jealously.

And then came the day of reckoning, When she finally chose him over me It was all so very sickening, I was over it, as I could be.

Little Green Man, I said, shaking my fist — you have bested me now, I see. But I shall be back one day, with a new bonnet over my bee.

And then it won’t matter anymore — that you are green, and I am blue. Granny will love us both the same, she’ll give us both our due.