Poetry of Fables, Fairies, and Fauna Fables, Fairies, and Fauna    

Lesson 48: A Riddle

by William Allingham

Performer: Librivox - JP4KJV


What I say you'll scarce believe,

Yet my words shall not deceive.

I saw what seem'd a little Boy,

With a face of life and joy;

He danced, he ran, he nodded, he smiled,

Just like any other Child;

But could not speak, (how strange was this!)

Or cry, or breathe, nor could I kiss,

To save my life, the cherry red

Of lips, not living and not dead!

He was no picture, statue, doll;

He was not a Child at all;

He was Nothing, as near as could be,

He was as real as you or me.

-There he is: turn and see!

    Poetry of Fables, Fairies, and Fauna Fables, Fairies, and Fauna    

Lesson 48: A Riddle

by William Allingham

Performer: Librivox - JP4KJV

Directions

Study the poem for one week.

Over the week:

  • Read or listen to the poem.
  • Review the synopsis.
  • Complete the enrichment activities.
  • Study the review questions.

Synopsis

The poem is a riddle about a little boy who dances, smiles, and nods but cannot speak, breathe, cry, or kiss. (The answer is the little boy is a reflection in a mirror.)

Vocabulary

Scarce: Only just; almost not.
Deceive: Cause someone to believe something that is not true.
Statue: A carved or cast figure of a person or animal.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Recite the Title, the Poet's Name, and the Poem

  • Each day this week, recite aloud the title of the poem, the name of the poet, and the poem. Instructors may need to prompt children line-by-line.

Activity 2: Study the Poem's Companion Painting

  • Study the painting below, and describe it in your own words.

Find the following in the companion painting:

  • Reflection
  • Window
  • Ring
  • Ruffles
  • Hair Part

Activity 3: Narrate the Poem

  • After reading or listening to each verse of the poem, narrate the verse events aloud using your own words.

Activity 4: Color the Poem   

  • Click the crayon above, and complete page 51 of 'Poetry Coloring Pages for First Grade.'

Review

Question 1

What is the title of the poem?
1 / 3

Answer 1

The title of the poem is 'A Riddle.'
1 / 3

Question 2

What happens in the poem?
2 / 3

Answer 2

The poem is a riddle about a little boy who dances, smiles, and nods but cannot speak, breathe, cry, or kiss. (The answer is the little boy is a reflection in a mirror.)
2 / 3

Question 3

Who are the characters in the poem?
3 / 3

Answer 3

A real little boy and his lifelike reflection in a mirror.
3 / 3

  1. What is the title of the poem? The title of the poem is 'A Riddle.'
  2. What happens in the poem? The poem is a riddle about a little boy who dances, smiles, and nods but cannot speak, breathe, cry, or kiss. (The answer is the little boy is a reflection in a mirror.)
  3. Who are the characters in the poem? A real little boy and his lifelike reflection in a mirror.