On Christmas Eve we often went
To grandmas house where day we spent.
To see our kin we held so dear
Perhaps for only time that year.
And every time I cousin saw
A little boy who'd soon be tall.
His words are quick but never mean
With clever eyes where wit does gleam.
He often talks of books he's read
When families set to break our bread.
We praise him much for things he's learned
And all the little facts he's earned.
By studying hard and being good
As little children always should.
Again this year he tells us all
What children learned in school this fall.
Then Uncle Bill who likes to tease
And knows the boy does love to please.
Interrupts child when speech he gave
To talk in voice that's falsely grave.
"When small your Uncle Bill was smart
And took his lessons deep to heart.
Whose smarter child you or me
When Uncle Bill was boy so wee?"
The child froze at question ask
To answer kind but true his task.
He sets for silent moment long
Afraid to get the answer wrong.
Then speaks with little voice profound
"But Uncle Bill I'm smarter now."
