Brother And Sister

"SISTER, sister, go to bed!
Go and rest your weary head."
Thus the prudent brother said.

"Do you want a battered hide,
Or scratches to your face applied?"
Thus his sister calm replied.

"Sister, do not raise my wrath.
I'd make you into mutton broth
As easily as kill a moth"

The sister raised her beaming eye
And looked on him indignantly
And sternly answered, "Only try!"

Off to the cook he quickly ran.
"Dear Cook, please lend a frying-pan
To me as quickly as you can."

And wherefore should I lend it you?"
"The reason, Cook, is plain to view.
I wish to make an Irish stew."

"What meat is in that stew to go?"
"My sister'll be the contents!"
"Oh"
"You'll lend the pan to me, Cook?"
"No!"

Moral: Never stew your sister.

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Analysis (ai): This humorous poem takes on the archetype of squabbling sibling relationships.

In comparison to the author's other works, this poem lacks the whimsy and fantasy elements found in his famous children's works.

Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, where physical discipline was often employed, the poem offers a satirical take on sibling rivalry and the consequences of unchecked anger.

The use of rhyme and repetition creates a sing-song rhythm, adding to the playful tone of the poem.

The poem's simplicity and brevity make it accessible to readers of all ages, while the timeless theme of sibling relationships ensures its continued relevance. (hide)
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14  

 

Adina Azad - This was such a delightful read
on Oct 19 2021 05:30 AM PST   x  edit  
Sama Lahai555 - Witty and deep.
on Aug 02 2021 12:50 PM PST   x  edit  
Maria Candelaria - Hilarious. I admire his poetry so much
on Apr 29 2016 05:28 AM PST   x  edit  
Zai Luna Fortuna - Heehee
on Aug 08 2014 07:45 PM PST   x  edit  
Carbonell -

Such a Great write! You pulled me in right from the start! Very creative with your words! Thank you for sharing!

on May 29 2013 09:56 PM PST   x  edit  
Chelsea Lindsey - Accurately describes the relationship of brother and sister, though it's not always so pronounced. Very creative
on Jun 13 2012 08:18 PM PST   x  edit  
Susanne Donoghue -

Wonder if it's a pun, even at that early date?


 
on Jun 13 2012 10:49 AM PST   x  edit  
Pulp -
on Jun 13 2012 06:07 AM PST   x  edit  
Lyrical warfare - Sounds like me and my brother.
on Jun 04 2012 06:49 PM PST   x  edit  
Vitabugz - I love the moral... straight to the point!
on May 08 2012 06:08 AM PST   x  edit  
Kitarai -

This is a fun poem. I like this one.

on Jun 03 2011 05:12 PM PST   x  edit  
Word poet - Good it tells me he was mad at his sister and wanted to make some Irish stew. I liked this a lot
on May 18 2011 02:10 AM PST   x  edit  

Comments from the archive

- From guest raquel (contact)
good poem
on May 26 2010 08:20 AM PST   x  edit  
Nykzil - brilliant, simply brilliant and soo true
on Nov 27 2009 09:06 PM PST   x  edit  
- From guest marelena (contact)
reminds me of my son and daughter. When i showed them the poem their facial expression became the same and then they giggled.
on Jun 06 2009 01:39 PM PST   x  edit  
- From guest Giavonna gillespie (contact)
You are dead and cannot see this but coming from an twelve year old this poem was really great. Reminds me of my brother and sisters
on Feb 23 2009 11:37 AM PST   x  edit  
- From guest joshua (contact)
made me giggle like a little school girl
on Oct 22 2008 02:05 PM PST   x  edit  
- From guest Nos (contact)
I love old and stylishly represented stories that reflect most common subjects such as the dialog between a brother and a sister who "love" each other. I'm sending this to all my bro+sis friends ! ! !
on Jan 05 2008 02:21 PM PST   x  edit  
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- From guest amy (contact)
it was okay but not very funny
on Oct 18 2007 11:13 AM PST   x  edit  
- From guest kritika (contact)
a very practical n realistic poem... and yet rhythmic too!
on Sep 17 2007 08:02 AM PST   x  edit  
- From guest Alyssa (contact)
well this sounds like me and my brother. haha.. maybe i should have him read this poem..
on Jun 09 2007 05:07 PM PST   x  edit  
- From guest ellie xx (contact)
Haha That is so funny! Hilarious moral
on Apr 05 2007 11:10 PM PST   x  edit  
Brittanibarefield - wow what grammer i like the way everything is worded
on Jul 26 2006 05:07 AM PST   x  edit  
Seether - This is very cute and has a very sensible moral to it all!!
on Apr 08 2003 03:17 PM PST   x  edit  
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