Volume 10 — HER BROTHER: ENFANT TERRIBLE[6]
Reading edition
HER BROTHER: ENFANT TERRIBLE[6]
BY EDWIN L. SABIN
This is Her brother; angel-faced,— Barring freckles and turned-up nose,— Demon-minded—a word well based, As nearer acquaintance will disclose. From outward guise the most sage of men Would never guess what within lies hid! If years we reckon, in age scant ten; If cunning, old as a pyramid. This is Her brother, who sticks and sticks Tighter than even a brother should; Brimming over with teasing tricks, Hardened to bribe and "please be good"; And who, when at last afar we deem, In some sly recess but lurks in wait To note the progress of love's young dream— And we learn of his presence too late, too late! This is Her brother, with watchful eyes, Piercing, shameless, and indiscreet, With ears wide open for soft replies And sounds that are sibilant and sweet! With light approach (not a lynx so still), With figure meanly invisible, With threatening voice and iron will, And shrill demands or he'll "go and tell!" This is Her brother—and I submit To paying out quarters and sundry dimes; This is Her brother—whose urchin wit Moves me to wrath a thousand times; This is Her brother—and hence I smile And jest and cringe at his tyranny, And call him "smart"! But just wait a while Till he's my brother—and then we'll see!