Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HUM-BUGS, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HUM-BUGS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Some bugs will sting and bite, and some
Last Line: The bug that hums and does not bite.
Subject(s): Insects; Bugs


Some bugs will sting and bite, and some
Pretend to bite, but only hum.

The first we fear, if we are wise;
The second, fear, and then despise.

But, after all, why rage and stew
When humbugs merely tickle you?

Why is it not a glorious thing
That humbugs hum and do not sting?

Why should we not rejoice, and praise
The humbug's mild, alarming ways?

He gives us all the glow and thrill
Of fierce attack, without the ill.

He brings the drum, the flag, the yell,
And leaves at home the shot and shell.

Where biting bugs in silence come,
He warns us with a kindly hum.

Where other bugs take all they find,
He only leaves a laugh behind.

So let us praise, by day and night,
The bug that hums and does not bite.





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