The Two Little Skeezucks
The poem tells the story of two little boys who die after eating too much food at a Christmas dinner. The narrative is written from the perspective of the boys' ghostly spirits, who are now in heaven, looking back on their mortal lives and remembering the events that led to their demise.
By Eugene Field · First published 1894 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Poetry · 762 words
First lines
There were two little skeezucks who lived in the isle Of Boo in a southern sea; They clambered and rollicked in heathenish style In the boughs of their cocoanut tree. They didn't fret much about clothing and such And they recked not a whit of the ills That sometimes accrue From having to do With tailor and laundry bills.
The two little skeezucks once heard of a Fair Far off from their native isle, And they asked of King Fan if they mightn't go there To take in the sights for awhile. Now old King Fan Was a good-natured man (As good-natured monarchs go), And howbeit he swore that all Fairs were a bore, He hadn't the heart to say "No."
What this Textopian page supports
The Two Little Skeezucks is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Poetry, Adventure, Humor
- Length: 762 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Two Little Skeezucks by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Two Little Skeezucks?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Googly Goo by Eugene Field
- Old King Cole by L. Frank Baum
- With Trumpet And Drum by Eugene Field
- Ben Apfelgarten by Eugene Field
- Fiddle Dee Dee by Eugene Field
- The Miser Elf by Oliver Herford
Genres
- Children's Literature — The book features whimsical characters and a playful narrative style, appealing primarily to a young audience.
- Fantasy — The setting includes an imaginary island and fantastical elements, such as the 'skeezucks' and their adventures.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and rhythm typical of poetic forms.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey to a fair, highlighting themes of exploration and discovery.
Tags
Children's literature · Poetry · Humor · Whimsy · Fantasy · Adventure · Friendship · Youth · Imagination · Playfulness · Nonsense verse · Wordplay