James Whitcomb Riley Poems

I want to sing something-- but this is all--
I try and I try, but the rhymes are dull
As though they were damp, and the echoes fall
...

The audience entire seemed pleased--indeed
_Extremely_ pleased. And little Maymie, freed
From her task of instructing, ran to show
...

I can't extend to every friend
In need a helping hand--
No matter though I wish it so,
...

Awf'lest boy in this-here town
Er anywheres is Elmer Brown!
He'll mock you--yes, an' strangers, too,
An' make a face an' yell at you,--
...

He was jes a plain ever'-day, all-round kind of a jour.,
Consumpted-Iookin'-- but la
...

When little Dickie Swope's a man,
He's go' to be a Sailor;
An' little Hamey Tincher, he's
...

I.

Dawn, noon and dewfall! Bluebird and robin
Up and at it airly, and the orchard-blossoms bobbin'!
...

'Wasn't it a funny dream!--perfectly bewild'rin'!--
Last night, and night before, and night before that,
...

O heart of mine, we shouldn't
Worry so!
What we've missed of calm we couldn't
Have, you know!
...

The Crankadox leaned o'er the edge of the moon
And wistfully gazed on the sea
Where the Gryxabodill madly whistled a tune
...