The Penalty Of Genius

by James Whitcomb Riley

James Whitcomb Riley

"When little 'Pollus Morton he's
A-go' to speak a piece, w'y, nen
The Teacher smiles an' says 'at she's
Most proud, of all her little men
An' women in her school--'cause 'Poll
He allus speaks the best of all.
An' nen she'll pat him on the cheek,
An' hold her finger up at you
_Before_ he speak'; an' _when_ he speak'
It's ist some piece _she_ learn' him to!
'Cause he's her favorite.... An' she
Ain't pop'lar as she _ust_ to be!
When 'Pollus Morton speaks, w'y, nen
Ist all the other childern knows
They're smart as him an' smart-again!--
Ef they _can't_ speak an' got fine clo'es,
Their Parunts loves 'em more 'n 'Poll-
Us Morton, Teacher, speech, an' all!





Last updated January 14, 2019