The Poetry Corner

Hik-Tee-Dik! - The War-Cry Of Billy And Buddy

By James Whitcomb Riley

When two little boys - renowned but for noise - Hik-tee-dik! Billy and Buddy! - May hurt a whole school, and the head it employs, Hik-tee-dik! Billy and Buddy! Such loud and hilarious pupils indeed Need learning - and yet something further they need, Though fond hearts that love them may sorrow and bleed. Hik-tee-dik! Billy and Buddy! O the schoolmarm was cool, and in no wise a fool; Hik-tee-dik! Billy and Buddy! And in ruling her ranks it was her rule to rule; Hik-tee-dik! Billy and Buddy! So when these two pupils conspired, every day, Some mad piece of mischief, with whoop and hoo-ray, That hurt yet defied her, - how happy were they! - Hik-tee-dik! Billy and Buddy! At the ring of the bell they 'd rush in with a yell - Hik-tee-dik! Billy and Buddy! And they'd bang the school-door till the plastering fell, Hik-tee-dik! Billy and Buddy! They'd clinch as they came, and pretend not to see As they knocked her desk over - then, My! and O-me! How awfully sorry they'd both seem to be! Hik-tee-dik! Billy and Buddy! This trick seemed so neat and so safe a conceit, - Hik-tee-dik! Billy and Buddy! - They played it three times - though the third they were beat; Hik-tee-dik! Billy and Buddy! For the teacher, she righted her desk - raised the lid And folded and packed away each little kid - Closed the incident so - yes, and locked it, she did - Hik-tee-dik! Billy and Buddy!