The Poetry Corner

Elmer Brown

By James Whitcomb Riley

Awf'lest boy in this-here town Er anywheres is Elmer Brown! He'll mock you - yes, an' strangers, too, An' make a face an' yell at you, - "Here's the way you look!" Yes, an' wunst in School one day, An' Teacher's lookin' wite that way, He helt his slate, an' hide his head, An' maked a face at her, an' said, - "Here's the way you look!" An' sir! when Rosie Wheeler smile One morning at him 'crosst the aisle, He twist his face all up, an' black His nose wiv ink, an' whisper back, - "Here's the way you look!" Wunst when his Aunt's all dressed to call, An' kiss him good-bye in the hall, An' latch the gate an' start away, He holler out to her an' say, - "Here's the way you look!" An' when his Pa he read out loud The speech he maked, an' feel so proud It's in the paper - Elmer's Ma She ketched him - wite behind his Pa, - "Here's the way you look!" Nen when his Ma she slip an' take Him in the other room an' shake Him good! w'y, he don't care - no-sir! - He ist look up an' laugh at her, - "Here's the way you look!"