Ruthless Rhymes for Heartless Homes

Harry Graham was an English writer of light verse, popular fiction, and history. He is best remembered for his grotesque and humorous verses, which parody the children's cautionary verses of his day. His most successful work was his series of hilariously cruel Ruthless Rhymes, first published in 1898 under the pseudonym Col. D. Streamer. Billy, in one of his nice new sashes,

Fell in the fire and was burned to ashes;

Now, although the room grows chilly,

I haven't the heart to poke poor Billy.