Edgar Albert Guest Poems

I notice when the news comes in
Of one who's claimed eternal glory,
This simple phrase, 'the next of kin,'
Concludes the soldier's final story.
...

Oh, we have shipped his Christmas box with ribbons red 'tis tied,
And he shall find the things he likes from them he loves inside,
But he must miss the kisses true and all the laughter gay
And he must miss the smiles of home upon his Christmas Day.
...

I DON'T get much attention now,
Although I'm not complaining;
I'm forced to get on anyhow,
Another king is reigning.
...

WHAT does it all mean anyway,
Noise of cannon and boom of gun,
Deafening, colorful fire display
Starting in with the rising sun?
...

Get to understand the lad-
He's not eager to be bad;
If the right he always knew,
He would be as old as you.
...

Last night Pa said to Ma: 'My dear, it's gettin' on to fall,
It's time I did a little job I do not like at all.
I wisht 'at I was rich enough to hire a man to do
The dirty work around this house an' clean up when he's through,
But since I'm not, I'm truly glad that I am strong an' stout,
...

IF every day of yours were fine
And every sky of yours were blue,
You couldn't know such joy of mine,
The joy o' being friend to you.
...

Got a sliver in my hand
An' it hurt t' beat the band,
An' got white around it, too;
...

Though some may yearn for titles great, and seek the frills of fame,
I do not care to have an extra handle to my name.
I am not hungry for the pomp of life's high dignities,
I do not sigh to sit among the honored LL. D.'s.
I shall be satisfied if I can be unto the end,
To those I know and live with here, a simple, first-name friend.
...

LITTLE Miss Laugh-a-Lot,
Saucy the way you've got,
Dancing with glee are the bright eyes of you;
...