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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A SONG O' CHEER by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: MY GRAMPA HE'S A-ALLUS SAYIN'
Last Line: "OLD -- BOB -- WHITE!"
Subject(s): GRANDPARENTS; NATURE; SINGING & SINGERS; GRANDMOTHERS; GRANDFATHERS; GREAT GRANDFATHERS; GREAT GRANDMOTHERS;

MY Grampa he's a-allus sayin',
"Sing a song o' cheer!" --
And wunst I says "What kind @3is@1 them?"
He says, -- "The kind to @3hear.@1 --
'Cause they're the songs that @3Nature@1 sings,
In ever' bird that twitters!"
"Well, @3whipperwills@1 and @3doves,"@1 says I,
"Hain't over-cheery critters!"
"Then don't you sing like @3them,"@1 he says --
"Ner @3guinny-hens,@1 my dear --
Ner @3peafowls@1 nuther (drat the boy!)
@3You sing a song o' cheer!"@1
I can't sing nothin' anyhow;
But, comin' home, to'rds night,
I kind o' sort o' kep' a-whistlin'
"Old -- Bob -- White!"



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