Famous Poem

In "Undergrowth" by Douglas Malloch, the poem highlights the idea that it's often the small, overlooked things in life that can have a significant impact. The speaker compares the obstacles in life to undergrowth on a trail. They suggest that it's not the towering trees that impede progress, but rather the pesky vines that trip and hinder one's journey. The poem extends this metaphor to personal challenges, emphasizing that it's not always the biggest burdens that lead to defeat. Instead, it's the unnoticed faults or harmful habits that can unexpectedly derail one's path. The poem serves as a reminder to pay attention to the seemingly insignificant aspects of life, as they can have a greater influence than anticipated

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Famous Poem

Undergrowth

By more Douglas Malloch

It ain't the trees that block the trail,
    It ain't the ash or pine;
For, if you fall or if you fail,
    It was some pesky vine
That tripped you up, that threw you down,
    That caught you unawares:
The big things you can walk aroun'—
    But watch the way for snares.

In life it ain't the biggest things
    That make the hardest load;
It ain't the burden big that brings
    Defeat upon the road.
Some fault you hardly knew you had
    May hurt more than you think—
Some little habit that is bad
    May put you on the blink.

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