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1849–1916

LAUGHTER HOLDING BOTH HIS SIDES

James Whitcomb Riley

Ay, thou varlet!— Laugh away! All the world's a holiday! Laugh away, and roar and shout Till thy hoarse tongue lolleth out!

Bloat thy cheeks, and bulge thine eyes Unto bursting; pelt thy thighs With thy swollen palms, and roar As thou never hast before!

Lustier! wilt thou! peal on peal! Stiflest? Squat and grind thy heel — Wrestle with thy loins, and then Wheeze thee whiles, and whoop again!

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LAUGHTER HOLDING BOTH HIS SIDES · James Whitcomb Riley · Poetry Cove