although hinted at indirectly in some poems, riley wrote very little on serious subjects, and mocked attempts at serious poetry. only a few of his sentimental poems concern serious subjects. "little mandy's christmas-tree", "the absence of little wesley", and "the happy little cripple" are about poverty, the death of a child, and disabilities. like his children's poems, they also contain morals, suggesting society should pity the downtrodden and be charitable.