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1849–1916

OLD-FASHIONED ROSES

James Whitcomb Riley

They ai n't no style about‘ em, And they're sorto’ pale and faded, Yit the doorway here, without‘ em, Would be lonesomer, and shaded

With a good‘ eal blacker shadder Than the morning-glories makes, And the sunshine would look sadder Fer their good old-fashion’ sakes,

I like‘ em‘ cause they kindo’ — Sorto’ MAKE a feller like‘ em! And I tell you, when I find a Bunch out whur the sun kin strike‘ em,

It allus sets me thinkin’ O’ the ones‘ at used to grow And peek in thro’ the chinkin’ O’ the cabin, do n't you know!

And then I think o’ mother, And how she ust to love‘ em — When they wuz n't any other, ‘ Less she found‘ em up above‘ em!

And her eyes, afore she shut‘ em, Whispered with a smile and said We must pick a bunch and putt‘ em In her hand when she wuz dead.

But, as I wuz a-sayin’, They ai n't no style about‘ em Very gaudy er displaying But I would n't be without‘ em,—

‘ Cause I'm happier in these posies, And the hollyhawks and sich, Than the hummin’ - bird‘ at noses In the roses of the rich.

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OLD-FASHIONED ROSES · James Whitcomb Riley · Poetry Cove