Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE STRENGTH OF THE WEAK, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE STRENGTH OF THE WEAK, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Last chris'mus, little benny
Last Line: "you skeer me thataway!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Children; Christmas; Family Life; Gifts & Giving; Childhood; Nativity, The; Relatives


LAST Chris'mus, little Benny
Wuzn't sick so bad, --
Now he's had the worst spell
Ever yet he had.
Ever' Chris'mus-morning, though,
He'll p'tend as if
He's asleep -- an' first you know
He's got your "Chris'mus-gif'"!

Pa he's good to all of us
All the time; but when,
Ever' time it's Chris'mus,
He's as good-again! --
'Sides our toys an' candy,
Ever' Chris'mus he
Gives us all a quarter,
Certain as can be!

Pa, this morning, tiptoe' in
To make the fire, you know,
Long 'fore it's daylight,
An' all's ice an' snow! --
An' Benny holler, "Chris'mus-gif'!"
An' Pa jump an' say,
"You'll only get a dollar if
You skeer me thataway!"





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