The speaker remembers an old man from childhood, Uncle Ananias, whose tall tales made him beloved. He calls him a liar, but says it with pure affection—he was the loveliest of all authoritative liars. The poem describes how the old man’s endless faith and imaginative stories delighted children through spring, summer, and autumn. He would sit under apple trees and invent such magnificent lies that the children felt the day became sublime. The speaker sees no real wrongdoing in it; the man was warm, generous, and full of joy. Even in old age he kept this sense of pageantry, wearing his harmless mischief like a crown. The mood is nostalgic and tender, with a playful wink at the old man’s dishonesty. It celebrates a gentle storyteller who made ordinary seasons feel magical, and who was loved faithfully by every child who knew him.
Uncle Ananias — Summary
His words were magic and his heart was true, And everywhere he wandered he was blessed. Out of all ancient men my childhood knew I choose him and I mark him for the best. Of all authoritative liars, too, I crown him loveliest. How fondly I remember the delight That always glorified him in the spring; The joyous courage and the benedight Profusion of his faith in everything! He was a good old man, and it was right That he should have his fling. And often, underneath the apple-trees, When we surprised him in the summer time, With what superb magnificence and ease He sinned enough to make the day sublime! And if he liked us there about his knees, Truly it was no crime. All summer long we loved him for the same Perennial inspiration of his lies; And when the russet wealth of autumn came, There flew but fairer visions to our eyes-- Multiple, tropical, winged with a feathery flame, Like birds of paradise. So to the sheltered end of many a year He charmed the seasons out with pageantry, Wearing upon his forehead, with no fear, The laurel of approved iniquity. And every child who knew him, far or near, Did love him faithfully.