Two little boys share everything, from a birthday to a bed. The speaker, likely an older sibling, notes that Dick and Will wear matching coats and hats, sleep together, and can even swap shoes. At first they sound like copies of each other. But the poem quickly turns to the small everyday differences that make them separate people. Dick is content to play quietly in Mother’s room, while Will climbs trees. When Will hurts his toe and cries on the porch, Dick is off laughing by the gate, absorbed in watching ants. The speaker’s tone is gentle and amused, not scolding. The mood is warm and affectionate, as if the family enjoys noticing how two children born on the same day can still be so distinctly themselves.
Dick and Will — Summary
Our brother says that Will was born The very day that Dickie came; When one is four the other is, And all their birthdays are the same.
Their coats and waists are just alike; They have their hats together, too. They sleep together in one bed, And Will can put on Dickie's shoe.
But they are not the same at all; Two different boys they have to be, For Dick can play in Mother's room When Will is climbing in a tree.
Or maybe Will is on the porch To cry because he stubbed his toe, And Dick is laughing by the gate And watching ants go in a row.