
A Heap o' Livin'
WHEN YOU KNOW A FELLOW
THE ROUGH LITTLE RASCAL
IT ISN'T COSTLY
MY CREED
A WISH
WHAT A BABY COSTS
MOTHER
SELFISH
RICH
A warm collection of verses opens with a tender dedication to two young readers, setting a gentle, conversational tone that feels like a parent sharing simple truths over bedtime. The poems move from playful observations of a “rough little rascal” to thoughtful musings on how we judge strangers, inviting listeners to pause and reconsider first impressions. Each piece is short enough to linger in the mind, yet rich with the everyday details that make ordinary moments feel meaningful.
The later verses turn inward, offering a modest creed that values honesty, perseverance, and quiet generosity, while another wistful poem longs for the carefree joy of childhood adventures. Throughout, the poet balances humor with humility, reminding us that kindness and sincerity often outweigh ambition and criticism. Listeners will find a comforting blend of nostalgia and gentle encouragement, perfect for reflecting on the small but profound lessons that shape a life.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (148K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Sep 1, 1995
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1881–1959
Remembered as the “People’s Poet,” this British-born American writer built a huge readership with warm, plainspoken verses about family, work, and everyday hope. His poems were so popular that they appeared in newspapers across North America for decades.
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