"Twas brillig and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe... "
For much of history the best stories were poems. Poetry displayed skill, clarity of mind, and insight. Some even used it to show the distinction between classes and worlds. There are entire books of it in the Bible, largely ignored for its poetic value because we are reading in translation.
And so we have castigated it as a trite and angsty form, leaving it to die alongside our own shriveled hearts.
So we need to start at the beginning.
These are poems to train children to love poetry.
Carroll's nonsense poem has irritated analysts for about a hundred and fifty years now, which makes it all the better for little boys to memorize. It is a nursery rhyme grown up. Take it as it is or go down a rabbit hole of insanity.
On the mothering end, you can think about this as you work through Proverbs.
Give wisdom and instruction.
Watch the hunt.
Be proud of them at the end.
That is all I'm saying on that. It is for you, not them. Just let them enjoy the poem.
The Jabberwocky doesn't work if you define terms or reduce it down any more than Mother Goose does, but hear the rhythm of the words and see the images in your own head.
Pro tip: When you come to the next to last verse proclaim it loudly and fling your arms out.
May cause little boys to come inside every so often and say, "I went galumphing back." and stare at you pointedly.
