Explore "The Eternal Greeting" by Ring Lardner on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
What is the welcoming word I hear / When I reach home at the close of day?
"Glad you are with us, daddy, dear?"
Something I'd like to hear you say?
No, it is this, invariably: / "Daddy, what have you got for me?"
"Deep affection," I might reply; / What would it profit if I did?
I might answer: "The price to buy / Clothes and edibles for you, kid."
You would repeat, insistently: / "Daddy, what have you got for me?"
Isn't my Self enough for you?
Doesn't my Presence satisfy?
No, that spelling would never do; / You want Presents, a new supply, / When you inquire so eagerly: / "Daddy, what have you got for me?"
'Twould be much nicer and cheaper, son, / If I were welcome without a toy, / But as I'm not, I must purchase one / And take my reward from your look of joy / When you open the bundle and cry: "O, see!
See what daddy has got for me! "