IS the house turned topsy-turvy? Does it ring from street to roof? Will the racket still continue, Spite of all your mild reproof? Are you often in a flutter? Are you sometimes thrilled with joy? Then I have my grave suspicions That you have at home -- that Boy. Are your walls and tables hammered? Are your nerves and ink upset? Have two eyes, so bright and roguish, Made you every care forget? Have your garden beds a prowler Who delights but to destroy? These are well-known indications That you have at home -- that Boy. Have you seen him playing circus With his head upon the mat, And his heels in mid-air twinkling -- For his audience, the cat? Do you ever stop to listen, When his merry pranks annoy, -- Listen to a voice that whispers, You were once just like -- that Boy? Have you heard of broken windows, And with nobody to blame? Have you seen a trousered urchin Quite unconscious of the same? Do you love a teasing mixture Of perplexity and joy? You may have a dozen daughters, But I know you've got -- that Boy. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CHARITAS NIMIA; OR THE DEAR BARGAIN by RICHARD CRASHAW THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 79. THE MONOCHORD by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI THE SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN THE STEAM-ENGINE: CANTO 10. ROSES ALL THE WAY by T. BAKER A CONCLUSORIE HUMNE TO THE SAME WEEK; & FOR MY FRIEND by JOSEPH BEAUMONT |