Impossible! by Gelett Burgess (1895)
The Purple Cow is a nonsense poem written by Gelett Burgess in 1895. It tells the story of a purple cow who is so rare that no one has ever seen her before. The poem ends with the line "Nevertheless she's very like a cow," which suggests that despite her unusual color, the purple cow is still just a regular old cow at heart.
By Gelett Burgess · First published 1895 · Genre: Children's Literature, Humor, Poetry · 91 words
First lines
There once was a Goop (it is hard to believe Such unpleasant behavior of you! ) Who always was wiping his nose on his sleeve; I hope that this Goop wasn't you!
He always was spitting (for fun, I suppose), I couldn't believe, it of you!
And putting his fingers up into his nose; I KNOW that this Goop wasn't you!
What this Textopian page supports
Impossible! is listed on Textopian as a short story by Gelett Burgess, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Gelett Burgess
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Humor, Poetry, Educational
- Length: 91 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Impossible! by Gelett Burgess
- 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 Impossible!?
- How does this short story by Gelett Burgess fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Danger by Gelett Burgess
- Caution by Gelett Burgess
- Untidy Goops by Gelett Burgess
- Tardiness by Gelett Burgess
- Why by Gelett Burgess
- Dress Quickly by Gelett Burgess
Genres
- Children's Literature — The content is written in a simple, rhyming style typical of children's literature, focusing on teaching manners and behavior.
- Humor — The playful and exaggerated depiction of bad behavior is intended to amuse and entertain young readers.
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and rhythm.
- Educational — The narrative aims to instruct children on proper behavior through negative examples.
Tags
humor · fantasy · nonsense · poetry · children's literature · imagination · whimsy · absurdity · creativity · playfulness · illustrated · adventure