A New Version.

Old Mother Hubbard
    She went to the cupboard,
To find a nice bone for her dog.
    But when she got there
The cupboard was bare,
    And now they are both on the hog.

Edwin C. Ranck

Edwin C. Ranck was an American lyricist noted for his work in the early 20th century. He was a prolific writer and his lyrics were often characterized by their humor and wit. One of his standout works is the poem 'The Optimist', which reflects his positive outlook on life. Beyond that, little is known about his personal life or career. He remains a somewhat obscure figure in literary history.

Edwin C. Ranck

To A Child At Christmas Time.

Edwin C. Ranck, Simple Poetry

You Couldn't Hardly Notice It At All.

Edwin C. Ranck, Simple Poetry

Why The Mole Is Blind.

Edwin C. Ranck, Simple Poetry

Stylish.

Edwin C. Ranck, Simple Poetry

English

Suggested Poems

Explore a curated selection of verses that share themes, styles, and emotional resonance with the poem you've just read.

Old Mother Hubbard

Old Mother Hubbard
Went to the cupboard
To get her poor Dog a bone;
But when she came there
The cupboard was bare,
And so the poor Dog had none.

She went to the baker's
To buy him some bread,
But when she came back,
The poor Dog was dead.

She went to the joiner's
To buy him a coffin,
But when she came back,
The poor Dog was laughing.

She took a clean dish
To get him some tripe,
But when she came back,
He was smoking a pipe.

She went to the ale-house
To get him some beer,
But when she came back,
The Dog sat in a chair.

She went to the tavern
For white wine and red,
But when she came back,
The Dog stood on his head.

She went to the hatter's,
To buy him a hat,
But when...

Walter Crane

Nursery Rhyme. CCLXV. Gaffers And Gammers.

    Old mother Hubbard
    Went to the cupboard,
        To get her poor dog a bone;
    But when she came there
        The cupboard was bare,
    And so the poor dog had none.

    She went to the baker's
        To buy him some bread,
    But when she came back
        The poor dog was dead.

    She went to the joiner's
        To buy him a coffin,
    But when she came back
        The poor dog was laughing.[*]

    She took a clean dish
        To get him some tripe,
    But when she came back
        He was smoking his pipe.

    She went to the fishmonger's
        To buy him some fish,
    And when she came back
        He was licking the dish.

    She went to the ale-house
        To get hi...

Unknown

Crabbed.

A college professor one day
    Was fishing in Chesapeake Bay;
Said a crab to his mate,
    "Let's kick off the bait,
This business is too old to pay."

Edwin C. Ranck

The Prodigal Son

Here come I to my own again,
Fed, forgiven and known again,
Claimed by bone of my bone again
And cheered by flesh of my flesh.
The fatted calf is dressed for me,
But the husks have greater rest for me,
I think my pigs will be best for me,
So I'm off to the Yards afresh.

I never was very refined, you see,
(And it weighs on my brother's mind, you see)
But there's no reproach among swine, d'you see,
For being a bit of a swine.
So I'm off with wallet and staff to eat
The bread that is three parts chaff to wheat,
But glory be!, there's a laugh to it,
Which isn't the case when we dine.

My father glooms and advises me,
My brother sulks and despises me,
And Mother catechises me
Till I want to go out and swear.
And, in spite of the butle...

Rudyard

Nursery Rhyme. CCCLXX. Paradoxes.

        [The conclusion of the following resembles a verse in the nursery history of Mother Hubbard.]

    There was an old woman, and what do you think?
    She lived upon nothing but victuals and drink:
    Victuals and drink were the chief of her diet;
    This tiresome old woman could never be quiet.

    She went to the baker, to buy her some bread,
    And when she came home her old husband was dead;
    She went to the clerk to toll the bell,
    And when she came back her old husband was well.

Unknown

Old Mother Laidinwool

Old Mother Laidinwool had nigh twelve months been dead.
She heard the hops was doing well, an' so popped up her head
For said she: "The lads I've picked with when I was young and fair,
They're bound to be at hopping and I'm bound to meet 'em there!"

Let me up and go
Back to the work I know, Lord!
Back to the work I know, Lord!
For it is dark where I lie down, My Lord!
An' it's dark where I lie down!

Old Mother Laidinwool, she give her bones a shake,
An' trotted down the churchyard-path as fast as she could make.
She met the Parson walking, but she says to him, says she:
"Oh, don't let no one trouble for a poor old ghost like me!"

'Twas all a warm September an' the hops had flourished grand.
She saw the folks get into 'em with stockin's on their hands,<...

Rudyard