A Photographic Failure Poem by Carolyn Wells

Mr. Hezekiah Hinkle
Saw a patient Periwinkle
With a kodak, sitting idly by a rill.
Feeling a desire awaken
For to have his picture taken,
Mr. Hezekiah Hinkle stood stock-still.

Mr. Hezekiah Hinkle
Felt his brow begin to wrinkle,
And his pose assume a sad and solemn style;
But the Periwinkle trusted,
As the focus he adjusted,
That his customer would kindly try to smile.

Mr. Hezekiah Hinkle
Felt his eyes begin to twinkle,
And his mouth took on a broad and open grin;
Said the Periwinkle, sadly,
'If you stretch your jaw so madly,
I fear perhaps that I shall tumble in.'

Mr. Hezekiah Hinkle
Felt his hair begin to crinkle,
As it rose up on his forehead in affright;
Though his comrade spoke so mildly,
Mr. Hinkle wondered wildly,
How he could escape this dire and awful plight.

Mr. Hezekiah Hinkle
Said, 'I fear it's going to sprinkle,
And really for a storm I'm not prepared.'
Then without a further warning
He politely said, 'Good morning,'
And the patient Periwinkle stood and stared.