Tuesday 2 November 2010

Harry Graham



Although not at all well known these days, Harry Graham wrote nonsense rhymes to rank alongside those of Edward Lear. Here are a couple of examples.

Billy, in one of his nice new sashes,
Fell in the fire and was burnt to ashes;
Now, although the room grows chilly,
I haven't the heart to poke poor Billy.
- * -
Making toast at the fireside,
Nurse fell in the grate and died;
And what makes it ten times worse,
All the toast was burnt with nurse.

- * -

In the drinking well
Which the plumber built her,
Aunt Eliza fell -
We must buy a filter.