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If I Knew

Recitation Skills

If I knew the box where the smiles were kept,

No matter how large the key

Or strong the bolt, I would try so hard,

It would open I know, for me;

Then over the land and sea broadcast,

I’d scatter the smiles to play,

That the children’s faces might hold them fast

For many and many a day.

If I knew a box that was large enough

To hold all the frowns I meet,

I would gather them every one,

From nursery, school and street;

Then, folding and holding I’d pack them in,

And turn the monster key

And hire a giant to drop the box

To the depths of the deep, deep sea.
What does the poet want to
do with the frowns?
Word Power

bolt: bar used to fasten doors and gates nursery: children’s room

scatter: spread over monster: a devil

frown: expression of anger or displeasure giant: a large creature

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