The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

GIANT RACE

FOR I'M THE LAST OF THE GIANT RACE,
THE BIG MEN FROM MULDARE.
IT TAKES A NAVY TO WASH MY FACE,
AND AN ARMY TO COMB MY HAIR.
TWENTY MEN AND A SIX INCH GUN
COULD SIT ON MY BIGGEST TOE.
AND WHEN I'M THIRSTY IT'S ONLY FUN
TO DRINK UP A SEA OR SO.
IF YOU HAD THE SIGHT OF MY SMALLEST EYE,
YOU COULD SEE THE MICE ON THE MOON.
AND IF YOU WERE AS LONG IN THE LEGS AS I,
YOU COULD WALK THERE PRETTY SOON.
FOR I'M THE LAST OF THE GIANT RACE,
THE BIG MEN FROM MULDARE.
IT TAKES A NAVY TO WASH MY FACE,
AND AN ARMY TO COMB MY HAIR.

Submitter comment: THIS POEM WAS PASSED DOWN THROUGH THE FAMILY. ALL THE
CHILDREN IN MY FATHER'S FAMILY WOULD BEG MY GRANDPA TO
RECITE THIS POEM FOR THEM. IT WAS DEFINITELY A FAVORITE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): HYPERBOLE

Date learned: 00-00-1939