Old Man Whiskery-Whee-Kum-Wheeze
The poem is a nostalgic and humorous tribute to an elderly man's eccentricities and the memories he evokes in the narrator. The old man's name is a whimsical invention, emphasizing his age and peculiarities. The poem explores themes of aging, nostalgia, and the passing of time through the lens of a personal anecdote.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Children's Poetry, Fantasy, Humor · 280 words
First lines
Old Man Whiskery-Whee-Kum-Wheeze Lives 'way up in the leaves o' trees.
An' wunst I slipped up-stairs to play In Aunty's room, while she 'uz away; An' I clumbed up in her cushion-chair An' ist peeked out o' the winder there; An' there I saw -- wite out in the trees -- Old Man Whiskery-Whee-Kum-Wheeze!
An' Old Man Whiskery-Whee-Kum-Wheeze Would bow an' bow, with the leaves in the breeze, An' waggle his whiskers an' raggledy hair, An' bow to me in the winder there!
An' I 'd peek out, an' he'd peek in An' waggle his whiskers an' bow ag'in, Ist like the leaves'u'd wave in the breeze -- Old Man Whiskery-Whee-Kum-Wheeze!
What this Textopian page supports
Old Man Whiskery-Whee-Kum-Wheeze is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1883 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Poetry, Fantasy, Humor, Folk Tale
- Length: 280 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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- Crumbs by Oliver Herford
Genres
- Children's Poetry — The playful language, whimsical character, and imaginative scenario are characteristic of children's poetry.
- Fantasy — The depiction of a fantastical character living in the trees and interacting with the narrator suggests elements of fantasy.
- Humor — The humorous name and the playful interaction between the narrator and the character add a comedic element.
- Folk Tale — The narrative style and mythical character resemble traditional folk tales.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · Humor · Satire · Folklore · Nonsense Verse · Whimsy · Wordplay · Rural Setting · Old Age · Wisdom · Social Commentary