Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE KATYDIDS, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE KATYDIDS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sometimes I keep
Last Line: Mommy dear!
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Katydids; Night; Noises; Sleep; Bedtime


SOMETIMES I keep
From going to sleep,
To hear the katydids "cheep-cheep!"
And think they say
Their prayers that way;
But katydids don't have to pray!

I listen when
They cheep again;
And so, I think, they're singing then!
But, no; I'm wrong, --
The sound's too long
And all-alike to be a song!

I think, "Well, there!
I do declare,
If it is neither song nor prayer,
It's talk -- and quite
Too vain and light
For me to listen to all night!"

And so, I smile,
And think, -- "Now I'll
Not listen for a little while!" --
Then, sweet and clear,
Next "cheep" I hear
'S a kiss. . . . Good morning,
Mommy dear!





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