Skip to content
1849–1916

TO A BOY WHISTLING

James Whitcomb Riley

The smiling face of a happy boy With its enchanted key Is now unlocking in memory My store of heartiest joy.

And my lost life again to-day, In pleasant colors all aglow, From rainbow tints, to pure white snow, Is a panorama sliding away.

The whistled air of a simple tune Eddies and whirls my thoughts around, As fairy balloons of thistle-down Sail through the air of June.

O happy boy with untaught grace! What is there in the world to give That can buy one hour of the life you live Or the trivial cause of your smiling face!

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.
TO A BOY WHISTLING · James Whitcomb Riley · Poetry Cove