Part 38 (1/2)

THE d.i.n.kEY-BIRD

In an ocean, 'way out yonder (As all sapient people know), Is the land of Wonder-Wander, Whither children love to go; It's their playing, romping, swinging, That give great joy to me While the d.i.n.key-Bird goes singing In the Amfalula-tree!

There the gum-drops grow like cherries, And taffy's thick as peas,-- Caramels you pick like berries When, and where, and how you please: Big red sugar-plums are clinging To the cliffs beside that sea Where the d.i.n.key-Bird is singing In the Amfalula-tree.

So when children shout and scamper And make merry all the day, When there's naught to put a damper To the ardor of their play; When I hear their laughter ringing, Then I'm sure as sure can be That the d.i.n.key-Bird is singing In the Amfalula-tree.

For the d.i.n.key-Bird's bravuras And staccatos are so sweet-- His roulades, appogiaturas, And robustos so complete, That the youth of every nation-- Be they near or far away-- Have especial delectation In that gladsome roundelay.

Their eyes grow bright and brighter, Their lungs begin to crow, Their hearts get light and lighter, And their cheeks are all aglow; For an echo cometh bringing The news to all and me.

That the d.i.n.key-Bird is singing In the Amfalula-tree.

I'm sure you'd like to go there To see your feathered friend-- And so many goodies grow there You would like to comprehend!

_Speed, little dreams, your winging To that land across the sea Where the d.i.c.key-Bird is singing In the Amfalula-Tree_!

_Eugene Field_.

THE MAN IN THE MOON

Said the Raggedy Man on a hot afternoon, ”My!

Sakes!

What a lot o' mistakes Some little folks makes on the Man in the Moon!

But people that's been up to see him like Me, And calls on him frequent and intimutly, Might drop a few hints that would interest you Clean!

Through!

If you wanted 'em to-- Some actual facts that might interest you!”

”O the Man in the Moon has a crick in his back; Whee!

Whimm!

Ain't you sorry for him?

And a mole on his nose that is purple and black; And his eyes are so weak that they water and run If he dares to _dream_ even he looks at the sun,-- So he jes' dreams of stars, as the doctors advise-- My!

Eyes!

But isn't he wise-- To jes' dream of stars, as the doctors advise?”

”And the Man in the Moon has a boil on his ear-- Whee!

Whing!

What a singular thing!

I know! but these facts are authentic, my dear,-- There's a boil on his ear; and a corn on his chin,-- He calls it a dimple,--but dimples stick in,-- Yet it might be a dimple turned over, you know!

Whang!

Ho!

Why certainly so!-- It might be a dimple turned over, you know!”

”And the Man in the Moon has a rheumatic knee, Gee!

Whizz!

What a pity that is!

And his toes have worked round where his heels ought to be.

So whenever he wants to go North he goes South, And comes back with the porridge crumbs all round his mouth, And he brushes them off with a j.a.panese fan, Whing!