Skip to content
1868–1950

Penniwit, the Artist

Edgar Lee Masters

I LOST my patronage in Spoon River From trying to put my mind in the camera To catch the soul of the person. The very best picture I ever took

Was of Judge Somers, attorney at law. He sat upright and had me pause Till he got his cross-eye straight. Then when he was ready he said “all right.”

And I yelled “overruled” and his eye turned up. And I caught him just as he used to look When saying “l except.”

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
Penniwit, the Artist · Edgar Lee Masters · Poetry Cove