Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE FISHING PARTY, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE FISHING PARTY, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Wunst we went a-fishin' - me
Last Line: When I choked! . . . Ma, didn't he?
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Fish & Fishing; Food & Eating; Picnics; Barbecues


WUNST we went a-fishin' -- Me
An' my Pa an' Ma, all three,
When they wuz a picnic, 'way
Out to Hanch's Woods, one day.

An' they wuz a crick out there,
Where the fishes is, an' where
Little boys 'taint big an' strong
Better have their folks along!

My Pa he ist fished an' fished!
An' my Ma she said she wished
Me an' her was home; an' Pa
Said he wished so worse'n Ma.

Pa said ef you talk, er say
Anything, er sneeze, er play,
Hain't no fish, alive er dead,
Ever go' to bite! he said.

Purt' nigh dark in town when we
Got back home; an' Ma, says she,
Now she'll have a fish fer shore!
An' she buyed one at the store.

Nen at supper, Pa he won't
Eat no fish, an' says he don't
Like 'em. -- An' he pounded me
When I choked! . . . Ma, didn't he?





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