# My Good-for-nothing

- Source: McGuffey's Second Reader (second-reader.gutenberg.org), Public domain, William Holmes McGuffey, 1879, via Project Gutenberg
- Reading level: Grades 1 and 2
- Subjects: Poems
- Topics: good, little, answer, love, brave, bright
- Length: 137 words, about 1 min
- Original: <https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14668>
- Page: <https://sprout.rootsofreason.org/r/mcguffey-second/second-17-lesson-17>
- Open in Sprouts: <https://sprout.rootsofreason.org/?read=mcguffey-second/second-17-lesson-17>

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MY GOOD-FOR-NOTHING.

- "What are you good for, my brave little man?  
  Answer that question for me, if you can,—  
  You, with your fingers as white as a nun,—  
  You, with your ringlets as bright as the sun.  
  All the day long, with your busy contriving,  
  Into all mischief and fun you are driving;  
  See if your wise little noddle can tell  
  What you are good for. Now ponder it well."
- Over the carpet the dear little feet  
  Came with a patter to climb on my seat;  
  Two merry eyes, full of frolic and glee,  
  Under their lashes looked up unto me;  
  Two little hands pressing soft on my face,  
  Drew me down close in a loving embrace;  
  Two rosy lips gave the answer so true,  
  "Good to love you, mamma, good to love you."

Emily Huntington Miller.

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## Picture credits

- illustrator not named in this edition, Public domain (<https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14668>)