BEIN' uncle to the kids, <br />Laughin' lips an' drowsy lids <br />Grimy hands an' tattered clothes, <br />Cheeks as red as any rose; <br />Willie Browns an' Jimmy Whites, <br />Sarah Smiths an' Mabel Brights; <br />One an' all I 'm glad t' see, <br />Love t' hear 'em 'uncle' me. <br /> <br />Want no child t' 'mister' me, <br />Don't want no formality, <br />When a youngster's playin' round, <br />Uncle has a sweeter sound; <br />Seems there's somethin' in the name, <br />Takes your heart an' grips the same <br />In a way that makes you feel <br />Love is somethin' that is real. <br /> <br />Been their uncle now for years, <br />I have brushed away the tears <br />Of the little tots when they <br />Hurt themselves while at their play; <br />Nursed stone bruises. When they fell <br />Kissed the lumps t' make 'em well; <br />Seen 'em grow t' handsome men, <br />Uncle to their children then. <br /> <br />Ruther be an uncle than <br />Any other famous man; <br />Ruther have the children come <br />Blowin' horn an' beatin' drum <br />After me, when I go by, <br />Laughin' like a summer sky, <br />Than be great, an' miss the joys <br />Of the little girls an' boys.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/an-uncle/
