Benevolent Boy!

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Summary

"Benevolent Boy!" is a humorous poem about a boy who loudly declares he would fill a house with candy and toys for others if only he had silver and gold. His self-proclaimed generosity sounds impressive — until his Christmas dollar comes into the picture, and his true priorities are hilariously revealed. Short, rhythmic, and packed with irony, the poem captures the gap between a child's noble intentions and the very real pull of personal temptation.

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Listen to audio

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A very benevolent boy, Oho!
A very benevolent boy!
He said, “O I wish I had silver and gold
I’d fill a big house till no more it could hold
With every nice candy and toy!”
This exceedingly generous boy!
“And my Christmas dollar? O pshaw! don’t you see?
I’ll have to keep that to buy candy for me!”
This very benevolent boy!

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Credits

Unknown writer is the attributed author of this playful verse, which has circulated in various collections of light children's poetry. The poem's comic twist — a boy who exempts himself from his own generosity — gives it an enduring charm that feels as fresh today as when it was first penned.

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