Uncle Ananias
 

    HIS words were magic and his heart was true,
        And everywhere he wandered he was blessed.
    Out of all ancient men my childhood knew
        I choose him and I mark him for the best.
    Of all authoritative liars, too,
        I crown him loveliest.

    How fondly I remember the delight
        That always glorified him in the spring;
    The glorious profusion and the benedight
        Profusion of his faith in everything!
    He was a good old man, and it was right
        That he should have his fling.

    And often, underneath the apple trees,
        When we suprised him in the summer time,
    With what superb magnificence and ease
        He sinned enough to make the day sublime!
    And if he liked us there about his knees,
        Truly it was no crime.

    All summer long we loved him for the same
        Perennial inspiration of his lies;
    And when the russet wealth of autumn came,
        There flew but fairer visions to our eyes--
    Multiple, tropical, winged with a feathery flame,
        Like birds of paradise.

    So to the sheltered end of many a year
        He charmed the seasons out with pageantry
    Wearing upon his forehead, with no fear,
        The laurel of approved iniquity.
    And every child who knew him, far or near,
        Did love him faithfully.

        Edwin Arlington Robinson