Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, RED RIDING-HOOD, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

RED RIDING-HOOD, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sweet little myth of the nursery story
Last Line: For the meal have he must, -- red riding-hood!
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Forests; Life; Woods


Sweet little myth of the nursery story --
Earliest love of mine infantile breast,
Be something tangible, bloom in thy glory
Into existence, as thou art addressed!
Hasten! appear to me, guileless and good --
Thou are so dear to me, Red Riding-Hood!

Azure-blue eyes, in a marvel of wonder,
Over the dawn of a blush breaking out;
Sensitive nose, with a little smile under
Trying to hide in a blossoming pout --
Couldn't be serious, try as you would,
Little mysterious Red Riding-Hood!

Hah! little girl, it is desolate, lonely,
Out in this gloomy old forest of Life! --
Here are not pansies and buttercups only --
Brambles and briers as keen as a knife;
And a Heart, ravenous, trails in the wood
For the meal have he must, -- Red Riding-Hood!






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