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The Book of Joyous Children

by James Whitcomb Riley

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A Song of Singing

Sing! gangling lad, along the brink
   Of wild brook-ways of shoal and deep,
Where killdees dip, and cattle drink,
   And glinting little minnows leap!
Sing! slimpsy lass who trips above
   And sets the foot-log quivering!
Sing! bittern, bumble-bee, and dove—
   Sing! Sing! Sing!

Sing as you will, O singers all
   Who sing because you want to sing!
Sing! peacock on the orchard wall,
   Or tree-toad by the trickling spring!
Sing! every bird on every bough—
   Sing! every living, loving thing—
Sing any song, and anyhow,
   But Sing! Sing! Sing!

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