The Poetry Corner

The Dead Joke And The Funny Man

By James Whitcomb Riley

Long years ago, a funny man, Flushed with a strange delight, Sat down and wrote a funny thing All in the solemn night; And as he wrote he clapped his hands And laughed with all his might. For it was such a funny thing, O, such a very funny thing, This wonderfully funny thing, He Laughed Outright. And so it was this funny man Printed this funny thing - Forgot it, too, nor ever thought It worth remembering, Till but a day or two ago. (Ah! what may changes bring!) He found this selfsame funny thing In an exchange - "O, funny thing!" He cried, "You dear old funny thing!" And Sobbed Outright.