Naughty Boy By Briton Riviere

The long dark winter had expired 
And spring with its vibrant colors was here
I was enticed by the great beauty of the outside
And planned to feign a headache after lunch
While my tutor, Mr. Hobart showed great concern
He gave Instructions that I not be disturbed
As I would be taking a long, quiet nap after noon

I do admit, I concocted a lie to later make my escape
I was free to chase dragonflies with lucent wings 
Clear across the vast green lawn 
Catching bull frogs in the garden pond
And listening to Old Ned tell those tall tales 
To his eager audience down at the stables
Never did I realize that I could be found out

I do not regret my adventures of that afternoon
It was the most enjoyable time I had had in a while
Now I face the circumstance of my deception
I was given a choice of punishment…
Either to spend three afternoons confined to the library
Or have the incident relayed to my parents abroad...
I have chosen to remain within these dark drab walls 


Bored to no end, that I am!
However, I must say that I have learned my lesson 
And through my fault, Rover, it seems is confined as well
My faithful old hound sympathizes; he understands how I feel
He gives hugs to console me whenever I am close to tears
I know how much he loves me as he never leaves my side
Not even when we know very well, that I have been a naughty boy
~*~
7/7/13

Note:  Inspired by the "Naughty Boy" Painting by Briton Riviere. (Google)
fineartamerica.com/.../naughty-boy-or-compulsory-education-briton-rivi...?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Sanders Avatar
July 28, 2013 at 11:40 AM
Wow I haven't read a poem this good in awhile and I read some pretty good poetry this week you my friend go in the top 3. Excellent poetry poet
Posey Avatar
July 28, 2013 at 9:42 AM
Great writing here....easily one of the best I have read in a while... I truly enjoyed reading this. Love ya lots.... Jake
Kendrick Avatar
July 19, 2013 at 4:47 PM
Great story that you told about the painting..Congrats on your win..Sara
May Avatar
July 19, 2013 at 11:09 AM
Annalise ...congrats on your win with this great piece
A   Avatar
July 19, 2013 at 8:29 AM
Annalise, ... congratulations... Luv~ LINDA
Dietrich Avatar
July 19, 2013 at 12:51 AM
wow you let your imagination loose to run free and you came up with this wonderful poem. One of my favorites in the contest. VERy well written!
A  Avatar
July 18, 2013 at 9:57 PM
this is nice.... congrats... luv ~SKAT~
Gildersleeve Avatar
July 18, 2013 at 7:02 PM
Anna you certainly did a superb write for this contest. Congrats on your well deserve win. Warm Smiles, Connie
Zerbst Avatar
July 18, 2013 at 5:35 PM
What storytelling skills you have, Annalise! Took me right back to the time when all rich folks had a library and travelled abroad. Tutors for their children too. It seems to me that the painting you chose is a challenging one, but your poem makes it seem easy.
Richards Avatar
July 18, 2013 at 4:00 PM
I love the story you tell......making it first person, as if it were you as that child! Loved it !! Congratulations......what a great poem!
Onclaud Avatar
July 12, 2013 at 12:51 PM
charming write that is truly an enjoyable read, anne.. stay child-like and bright!..:) huggs
Andresen Avatar
July 10, 2013 at 12:55 PM
- Annalise, I'm back to read your wonderful poem ! - oxox / / Anne-Lise :)
Ryerson Avatar
July 9, 2013 at 5:23 PM
Oh you naughty girl too!...Dear lady, how did you come up with this?...If this is for the contest, I pronounce it hands down winner and no one else need apply...
Horne Avatar
July 9, 2013 at 3:38 PM
I can imagine this so well, my friend. Hope you are both feeling good today and that you're getting some rest xx
Chircop Avatar
July 9, 2013 at 2:43 PM
Its always my pleasure to read your creative mind dear audreu.How arecyou these days?Hope you re fine dear.
Tacito Avatar
July 9, 2013 at 9:12 AM
How awesome this was penned! Terrific inspiration! :)
Sathasivam Avatar
July 9, 2013 at 5:20 AM
Excellent. Well penned poem. Creative. Enjoyed reading it. Tfs
Anglesey Avatar
July 8, 2013 at 7:55 AM
Annalise, I love your magnificent poem. Captivated all the way through. Delighful story :)
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