The Poetry Corner

A Session With Uncle Sidney - II - Uncle Brightens Up

By James Whitcomb Riley

Uncle he says 'at 'way down in the sea Ever'thing's ist like it used to be: - He says they's mermaids, an' mermens, too, An' little merchildern, like me an' you - Little merboys, with tops an' balls, An' little mergirls, with little merdolls. Uncle Sidney's vurry proud Of little Leslie-Janey, 'Cause she's so smart, an' goes to school Clean 'way in Pennsylvany! She print' an' sent a postul-card To Uncle Sidney, telling How glad he'll be to hear that she "Toock the onners in Speling." Uncle he learns us to rhyme an' write An' all be poets an' all recite: His little-est poet's his little-est niece, An' this is her little-est poetry-piece.