Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LAUGHTER HOLDING BOTHER HIS SIDES by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: AY, THOU VARLET! LAUGH AWAY!
Last Line: WHEEZE THEE WHILES, AND WHOOP AGAIN!
Subject(s): LAUGHTER;

AY, thou varlet! Laugh away!
All the world's a holiday!
Laugh away, and roar and shout
Till thy hoarse tongue lolleth out!
Bloat thy cheeks, and bulge thine eyes
Unto bursting; pelt thy thighs
With thy swollen palms, and roar
As thou never hast before!
Lustier! wilt thou! peal on peal!
Stiflest? Squat and grind thy heel --
Wrestle with thy loins, and then
Wheeze thee whiles, and whoop again!



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