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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE OLD HAYMOW by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE OLD HAYMOW'S THE PLACE TO
Last Line: AC' HA'F-WAY LIKE A GENTLEMAN!
Subject(s): DINNERS & DINING; FARM LIFE; AGRICULTURE; FARMERS;

THE Old Haymow's the place to play
Fer boys, when it's a rainy day!
I good 'eal ruther be up there
Than down in town, er anywhere!

When I play in our stable-loft,
The good old hay's so dry an' soft,
An' feels so fine, an' smells so sweet,
I 'most ferget to go an' eat.

An' one time onc't I @3did@1 ferget
To go tel dinner was all et, --
An' they had shortcake -- an' -- Bud he
Hogged up the piece Ma saved fer me!

Nen I won't let him play no more
In our haymow where I keep store
An' got hen-eggs to sell, -- an' shoo
The cackle-un old hen out, too!

An' nen, when Aunty she was here
A-visitun from Rensselaer,
An' bringed my little cousin, -- @3he@1
Can come up there an' play with me.

But, after while -- when Bud he bets
'At I can't turn no summersetts,
I let him come up, ef he can
Ac' ha'f-way like a gentleman!



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