Honolulu, 1844: A School Girl's Reply to Her Teacher's Enquiry-What is Your Age?

The Polynesian was a 19th century newspaper that served as the official voice of the royal Hawaiian government.

The following poem was published in the Saturday, November 16, 1844 edition. We post it here for the enjoyment of our readers everywhere.

A SCHOOL GIRL’S REPLY TO HER TEACHER’S ENQUIRY

-WHAT IS YOUR AGE?

My Yankee privilege I use,

And ask by way of answer,

Why, in the name of politeness,

My age, you wish to know, Sir?

I’ve gazed on summer’s glowing sun,

On winter’s starry sky, -

And just how many I have seen,

Could tell-but why should I?

As a deposite annually,

The forest-green receives,

So if my mind new stores of thought

Gained, as each year recedes,

I would have answered you in brief,

How many years have fled;

And you the trouble had been spared,

This sad excuse to read.