An Uncle

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