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The Book of Joyous Children

by James Whitcomb Riley

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Evensong

Lay away the story,—
   Though the theme is sweet,
There’s a lack of something yet,
   Leaves it incomplete:—
There’s a nameless yearning—
   Strangely undefined—
For a story sweeter still
   Than the written kind.

Therefore read no longer—
   I’ve no heart to hear
But just something you make up,
   O my mother dear.—
With your arms around me,
   Hold me, folded-eyed,—
Only let your voice go on—
   I’ll be satisfied.

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