Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, LAUGHING SONG, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LAUGHING SONG, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sing us something full of laughter
Last Line: Laugh, and we'll not miss the words.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Happiness; Laughter; Singing & Singers; Joy; Delight


SING us something full of laughter;
Tune your harp, and twang the strings
Till your glad voice, chirping after,
Mates the song the robin sings:

Loose your lips and let them flutter
Like the wings of wanton birds, --
Though they naught but laughter utter,
Laugh, and we'll not miss the words.

Sing in ringing tones that mingle
In a melody that flings
Joyous echoes in a jingle
Sweeter than the minstrel sings:
Sing of Winter, Spring or Summer,
Clang of war, or low of herds;
Trill of cricket, roll of drummer --
Laugh, and we'll not miss the words.

Like the lisping laughter glancing
From the meadow brooks and springs,
Or the river's ripples dancing
To the tune the current sings --
Sing of Now, and the Hereafter;
Let your glad song, like the birds',
Overflow with limpid laughter --
Laugh, and we'll not miss the words.





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