Google Image Fremont Troll
he doth protest too much, this troll
that lives beneath the bridge
gazing ’round with his one enormous
eye to spy those that might happen by
he doth protest too much, this troll
with his large bulbous nose smelling
about to know if there is anyone there
with a tasty scent of the next fare
he doth protest too much, this troll
with his long shaggy hair covering
where he hides treasures in his lair
wondering when he will find another
he doth protest too much, this troll
with his huge hands and pointed nails
listening as he does to all those tales
that speak of how horrible he can be
he doth protest too much, this troll
in his sadness, not at all in madness
bereft of friends he seeks simple amends
for his heart to be full of gladness
© April 2013
Renee Espriu
http://dversepoets.com/category/monster/
History of The Fremont Troll Located in Fremont, Washington
The piece was the winner of a competition sponsored by the Fremont Arts Council in 1990, in part with the goal of rehabilitating the area under the bridge, which was becoming a dumping ground and haven for drug dealers. It was built later that same year. The idea of a troll living under a bridge is derived from the Scandinavian fairytale Three Billy Goats Gruff.


You and Rowan have the same idea ~ I like the repetition of the first line, but sadly he is just a misunderstood troll ~ Enjoyed this piece ~
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Yes, I saw that and wasn’t sure if someone else might think of this. This is truly a work of art here in Washington and thousands of people visit this troll every year. Thank You!
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I loved the form, and Three Billy Goats Gruff was a tale I loved as a kid…but never thought of the story quite like this… Very good poem!
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Thank You!
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awww so he is a good troll eh? many monsters i think are just misunderstood…for this one made me smile…bet if you dont know he is there he might surprise you on a midnite stroll eh? ha
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I guess I like to think, ultimately, he just wants to have friends and so, yes, misunderstood. Thank You!
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A nice use of form. While I’m sure he is a kind and compassionate troll I will still send the goats over first.
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LOL Sometimes you do what you have to do. Thank You!
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Mmm…this is a test post to see why my name didn’t link to my url.
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Got your first comment so all is well. Thanks!
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Nice take on a character from one of my favorite stories.
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Thank You!
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Ahh, a lonely troll. I think this is the sweetest response to the prompt we’ve had!
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Thank You! I just could not go with mean and gruesome.
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oh i so hope he finds a friend soon…love the whole idea of it and you penciled him so charmingly
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Thank You! This troll really does live here in Washington and although I don’t live far from the bridge he is beneath I’ve yet to pay him a visit.
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I feel for the troll… the build up to the last stanza …making me think of his nastiness, his cruelty when all he wanted was love. Lovely read – thank you.
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Thank You! I did try on the outset but in the end…well, you put it well in your comment.
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I loved that tale when growing up. I like that you incorporated that sculpture into your story about the troll too…poor thing…so misunderstood.
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The prompt came and I thought, right away, of the Fremont Troll. He gets lots of visitors every year.
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I love this troll..he lives an hour or so away from me where I used to live…nice job!
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Thank You! I really need to pay the fellow a visit as I, too, do not live very far away from him.
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Aww, this troll has stolen my heart. A great moral to the story…Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Wonderful writing.
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Exactly! You can never know what lies beneath. Thank You!
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Love that Fairy tale and what a great Troll and Poem 🙂 Lovely Renee, 🙂 xxx
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Thank You Sue!
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Sad for this troll – but perhaps some have to become a troll before they learn the lessons of life, and if they are lucky enough to find friendship again, learn to treasure it.
I like the changed look of your blog, Renee
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Thanks so much and for stopping by. Once in awhile changing my site up a bit makes things seem new and fresh. Hope you are well.
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