A Little Freckled Person: A Book of Child Verse
Part 1
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A LITTLE FRECKLED PERSON
A Book of Child Verse
by
MARY CAROLYN DAVIES
With Illustrations by Harold Cue
Boston and New York Houghton Mifflin Company The Riverside Press Cambridge 1919
Copyright, 1919, by Mary Carolyn Davies All Rights Reserved
ILLUSTRATIONS
A little freckled person who has never much to say _Frontispiece_
A rabbit works its ears, and tries To watch you with its rabbit eyes 4
Weed the garden, carry wood 8
I like the kitten of my friends 30
Unfinished wings Are such curious things 36
While I'm washing dishes, or scraping out the skillet 58
I'd like to be a pirate, A scarlet scarf about my neck, a cutlass at my wrist 80
They are thirsty, so we give Water first that they may live 100
A LITTLE FRECKLED PERSON
They think I'm just a little girl At study, work, or play,-- A little freckled person who Has never much to say.
They do not know a princess oft In golden gown am I, With cheeks like apple petals soft And eyes like sea or sky.
They only see my tumbled braids, They do not know I wear A crown with turquoises and beryls Upon my coiled-up hair.
They do not know adventures dire Beset me, land and sea, That page and courtier, knight and squire, Before me bend the knee.
That haughty ships with silken sails Upon my bidding go-- All these, and other happy things, They cannot, cannot know.
They only see a little girl At study, work, or play,-- A little freckled person, who Has never much to say!
THE SELFISH SEA
The sea is very, very wide: It takes up all the room outside; And when I stand beside the sea, It comes right up and pushes me!
THE RABBIT
A rabbit works its ears, and tries To watch you with its rabbit eyes; Its saucy little tail it flounces, And when it hits the ground it bounces!
THE UNCRITICAL KITTEN
If I am selfish when I play My kitten likes me anyway!
NEXT-DOOR PEOPLE
The next-door people have a bird, The yellowest you ever heard! It hops, and chirps, and sings--and sings! Aren't next-door people pleasant things!
PROBATION
Mother says: If you're thoughtful and polite; Go to bed at eight each night; Always hasten to do chores And give up chairs for visitors, Weed the garden, carry wood, And be very still and good--
Mother says: If you're faithful in your task; Never beg, but only ask; Fold your napkin, say your prayers; Put no gum upon the chairs; Keep your bureau drawer quite neat; Never walk through pools, but on The sidewalk till the mud is gone; And say "Thank you" often, and Sit erect and walk and stand; And wash well behind your ears; Always wait until it clears To wear your best clothes, and not fail To hang your coat upon its nail-- You will find the people where You live, like to have you there!
* * * * *
Our house has a pleasant yard. I am trying very hard!
PERHAPS!
You never know, in this great world, what wonders there may be-- Perhaps there's buried treasure out beneath our cherry tree!
'FRAID STARS
The stars are like us children here, Not any older grown: At night, the little 'fraid stars stay Together in the Milky Way-- The brave ones stand alone!
THE STARS
The stars are lighted candles Upon a Christmas tree; (The branches, that they hang upon We cannot ever see:) On Christmas Eve the angels stand About it after tea.
And if an angel's very good He gets a present, as he should.
AS YOU WOULD BE DONE BY
Of course I believe in fairies! Of course I know they're true! --Just think, if you were a fairy, And no one believed in you!
DRAWING
Upon my slate I draw Strange things I never saw, Nor you, nor any one! But oh, it is such fun!
THE FISHING-POLE
A fishing-pole's a curious thing: It's made of just a stick and string: A boy at one end and a wish; And on the other end a fish!
SYMPATHY
Little fishing-boat, a blur On the ocean blue, Don't you ever wish you were A little taller, too?
I've a birthday! Look at me As you dart and dip! Grow, and maybe soon you'll be A white-sailed ship!
THE FOREST SCHOOL
The little firs demurely stand In studious rows, on either hand, On winter days about like these, All learning to be Christmas trees.
WHITE CHERRY
The moon's a white cherry, For sale in the sky, And each one admires it, But no one will buy.
Oh, cherry that lies On the shop-window shelf, When I have a penny I'll buy you myself!
THE INDEPENDENT KITE
A kite is very nice to own; It never, never grieves you, 'Cept when it wants to play alone And just goes off and leaves you!
PRACTICING
The black notes are the bridegrooms, The white notes are the brides! And I? Why, I'm the minister and all the guests besides!
FAIRYLAND SECRET SERVICE
A snowflake is a letter A fairy in the sky Is sending to the fairies here, And, when they've read its message clear, Lest any one should spy, They purse their little lips and blow To melt that tell-tale note of snow. Oh, let us see if we can snatch And read a Fairyland dispatch!
A BOOK
A book's a magic sort of thing That makes you sailor, chief, or king; When I am old, and own a shelf, I think I'll have a book myself!
THE LONESOME SEA
The sea is so lonely Now winter is here, I wish we could only Go down to the pier, And say to him kindly, "Don't think, Mr. Sea, We've forgotten you quite, for we haven't, not we!
"Last summer we scurried All sudden, I know, From the beach. Don't be worried! We hated to go!" I should like to go clear to the end of the pier, For he's lonesome; and tell him, "We're coming next year!"
THE MOUNTAINS
The mountains do not stir, or show Emotion when Spring comes, I know; But though they are restrained by pride, I think that they are glad inside!
WHEN DOLLY IS AFRAID
When lights are standing in the street; And on the sidewalk all the feet Are quiet, and it's growing late, And our brown clock is striking eight:
I pack the animals and ark, And push them deep into the dark; And in a quiet row I lay My cups and saucers 'til the day.
But who could ever say Good-night And leave her doll in such a plight? I couldn't let her stay without A friend, and hear the dark about!
So she and I go straight upstairs; She shuts her eyes while we say prayers, And then we lie and count up sheep Until we both are fast asleep.
It's not because I dread, at all, The darkness, that I keep my doll, But just because I think that she Would be _so_ frightened without _me_!
TREE-CHILDREN
The little trees that to the breeze Make quaint and timorous courtesies: I like to come and play with these.
Each grown-up pine that stands in line Is but a stranger great and fine-- The _little_ trees are friends of mine!
THE COCKATOO
Green and yellow cockatoo, Won't you let me talk to you? Or if you would kinder be Won't you come and talk to me?
Tell me all about the places Where the children have black faces, Armlets, anklets, copper rings! Where the cannibals are kings!
Has a hungry crocodile Ever met you with a smile? Have you taken many a trip In a rakish pirate ship?
Cockatoo, cockatoo, How I'd like to talk to you! But as you can guess, I'd be Gladder if you'd talk to me!
HIGH COST OF LIVING
Among the angels--it's a shame To tell it--prices are so dear, They use the blown-out candle-flame To mend the ragged stars, this year!
NEED
I like the kitten of my friends, I like its claws caught in my lace, I like the way each small ear ends, I like the black upon its face. I feel its heart beat in my hand, And then I somehow understand So many things I didn't know: I'm kinder, and my voice is low; And I close doors more softly, too, And do the things I'm told to do, Instead of wishing they were done. --But mother says we mayn't have one.
I want a kitten all my own To play with when I'm left alone, And when the family's gone away To shop, and work, and call, and play Tennis and other things. It's all So queer and lonely in the hall And in the parlor, too, and in The sitting-room, where words have been But are not now. The chairs and I Wait through the hours, till by-and-by, Our only playmates little fears-- There's room in all our lives, I think, For one small kitten, black as ink With two white spots behind its ears.
SKY-COLOR
Blue skies are very apt to fade; Dark colors wear the best, it's true-- But who would choose a useful shade? I want mine blue!
LEFT OUT
If shoemakers' children are left with feet bare I've wondered and wondered (I don't think it's fair) If maybe at Christmas there aren't any toys Left over for Santa Claus' own girls and boys!
THE WHITE BIRCH
A white birch grows In the deepest wood. If you are good And the stars are right --Who knows?-- You may see, some night, The nymphs stand under The sea-green heave Of its boughs, in a row. --But if you wonder, They will fade and go. --You must just believe!
THE PLAYMATE
Last year I played with the country, This year, with the sea, Now the queer old city Stops and plays with me.--
Stops in its counting of pennies (It never, never fails To know the time I'm going to bed)-- And tells me fairy tales.
THANKSGIVING
The turkey is a mournful bird From all that I have ever heard; If he could live this day to see How very thankful he would be!
THE NEST
That tree has a nest, And if I lie Quite still, and if I Have luck, I may see Two heads or three Stretched out. Hark! hark! Wings sound! And a dark Shadow comes flying Through boughs. They are trying To reach the food that the large bird brings. Unfinished wings Are such curious things! They are almost old enough to fly, The three. If they knew As I do, and you, That nests are cozier than the sky!
THE ORANGE
The sky is a greedy child Who holds one Yellow orange in her hand: It is the sun.
She holds it primly: Then, hid from sight, All in the darkness, Eats it at night.
I ALMOST GOT TO FAIRYLAND ONE DAY--
I almost got to Fairyland, one day-- I walked out straight along the sun-path, so. And there were little hummings in the world, And moving things went through the grass, and all The air was just as glad as if there were A party, somewhere, at a fairy's house. I knew they had a party, and I knew That they had kept a seat for me, if I Could only find the right turn in the road. I was so near to Fairyland, so near That I could almost hear the fairy gates Swing open for me, waiting--just for me. I was so near to Fairyland--and then, Just then, I heard my mother calling me; "Come in to supper, dear," I heard her call; And so I never got to Fairyland.
I know that there are fairies, though, because I almost got to Fairyland one day.
UNTRAINED TRAINS
A train should never jump the track; Such rude behavior shows a lack Of poise--it's really a disgrace! A train should know its proper place!
HANDICAPPED
I run as fast as I can go When trains run past our place; They're bigger far than I, and so They always win the race!
A SUNSET
Life seems so sweet! I don't know why,-- Perhaps 't is just because the sky Put on, to-night, to make me glad, A dress I didn't know she had.
TO SHIPS
Tall ships, tall ships, sailing out to sea, Have you in your dreaming hearts any room for me, For a little singing maid who would sail with you Out to where the ocean miles are blue, blue, blue?
Tall ships, tall ships, loosening from shore, Steering all by star-craft, and sailing evermore, Take a little wishful maid with you as you go! I would feel the ocean tempests blow, blow, blow!
Tall ships, tall ships, see, I stretch my hands! Pray you, take me with you to far and foreign lands! Ships, an eager little maid prays that she may be Sailing, as you sail, forever free, free, free!
SEA-BUTTERFLIES
The sea is like a garden green, The spray like daisies white; And one full rose alone is seen, The great red sun at night.
A-fluttering in their loveliness The ships against the skies Are just--as any one can guess-- The garden's butterflies!
BUDS
The buds have come to town; Demure and brown Their coats; and under, see, How can such fragile, fairy colors be?
The buds have come to us All tremulous. We're quite as glad as they. Take off your cloaks, dear little buds, and stay!
THE FLOWER CART
The flower cart's coming down the street, With tulips red and tulips sweet; And from the wagon color spills Of hyacinths and daffodils. And purple rhododendrons grow Beside the roses in a row.
Oh, let us hasten down to spend, Before the flower cart rounds the bend! Oh, let us bring our pennies and Hold all of Spring within our hand.
EAVESDROPPERS
The stars lean down and listen, At fairy-story time; They twinkle and they glisten To hear each happy rhyme; To all our cheerful singing The little stars beat time.
The stars lean down and hear us, They know it's not polite, But then, they cease to fear us, About this time of night. They creep and edge up near us, Although it isn't right.
Eavesdroppers! But we love them, We leave a little space, And never crowd or shove them, Because, in any case, That stretch of blue above them Is such a lonely place!
SINGING SECRETS
Bird up in the pine-tree-top, Tossing down to me Broken songs, to where I sit Underneath the tree,--
Bird up in the pine-tree-top, What is it you hear That you try to say again In your singing clear?
What is it you see up there In the green and blue? Does the world look very strange,-- Strange and fair to you?
Do you see some happy thing That you try to show In the eager chirps you toss Gayly down below?
You are singing secrets, bird, I am very sure. I can understand no word, But, oh, try once more!
Bird up in the pine-tree-top, Sing again to me! Maybe I can hear it now! Maybe I can see!
THE DAY BEFORE APRIL
No, little brown bird, go away, I have no time to dream to-day, I must do certain things, you see. I know not why, but it must be! Here I must study foolish books, And not guess how the lilac looks!
Hush, little bird, and do not sing! I have no time to play with Spring!
THE CORN
The corn's like soldiers in a row. We'll stop and cheer them. Let's! The tassels are their waving flags; The leaves their bayonets.
They march to meet King Frost, their foe, The fight will soon begin. King Frost will conquer them, I know-- But oh, if they _could_ win!
IF A STAR--
If a star were to say "I will stay And watch Dawn bring the day,"-- If a star were so bold Would the Moon-Mother old Let it stay in the sky? --Try, star, try!
DRYAD
Dryad, hidden in this tree! Break your bonds and talk to me!
No one's watching, only peep From your cave! The town's asleep!
No one knows I stand here, so Come! for they will never know!
Tell me what you think of here When the moon is sharp and clear,
When the clouds are over you, When the ground is wet with dew.
Dryad, are you happy, say! Do you like to live this way?
I will keep your secrets well, I will never, never tell!
Dryad, hidden in our tree, Come, oh, come and talk to me!
THE DUEL
Once a blotter met a blot In a still, secluded spot. Here's the blotter, brave to see; But the blot--Oh, where is he?
THE LITTLEST CLOUD
O littlest cloud in all the blue, Don't go so fast, for, see, I'm just about the size of you! Come down and play with me!
But oh, if that's the only way-- To come in raindrops, why, I'll stay here by myself and play! I wouldn't have you cry!
PRINCES
Cinderella sitting in her dingy chimney corner, Delving in the ashes, with the smoke upon her eyes, With pots and kettles waiting, all her kinfolk by to scorn her, Longed perhaps to meet a prince, handsome, young, and wise.
Maybe Sleeping Beauty on her couch within the castle, While her golden hair crept down to touch her silent feet, Dreamed about a rider with a scarlet cap and tassel Who would hack away the hedge and cry, "Awaken, sweet!"
While I'm washing dishes, or scraping out the skillet, Or when I am sprinkling, or folding up the clothes, Sometimes I too dream; it seems foolish-like to tell it... But their princes came at last and ... ah, who knows?
OUR SHARE
Babies of Alaska, babies of Japan, Babies born to beads, or silk, or fez, or fur, or fan, None of all the babies that are toddling anywhere Is half so sweet a baby as the baby that's our share!
IF I WERE SANTA'S LITTLE BOY
If I were Santa's little boy (If there's a family Of Santa Clauses in the sky Or where their home may be), If I were Santa's oldest son (I only hope that he _has_ one!) And my papa should say to me, "What Christmas present, son, would be The very thing you'd like to see Within your stocking Christmas Day?" I wouldn't stop to think, (would you?) But say, "I want to drive the sleigh!"
And then when Christmas Week had come, At nearly dawn on Christmas Day, I'd load the sleigh with doll and drum; And find where the reindeer were tied, And hitch them quickly up, and I'd Shout very loudly, "Clear the way!"
And crack the whip and drive the sleigh Down from the Pole and past the clang Of loud icicles in a row, Blown by the wind, to where the gang Lives, in our street, and then I'd shout, While frightened heads of boys stuck out From opened windows, in surprise, With tousled hair and sleepy eyes, I'd shout out loudly so that they Could hear each single word I'd say,
"Hey, Dasher, Dancer! Faster, Prancer! Run as hard now as you can, sir! Stop your balking When I'm talking! We must fill each Christmas stocking In a hundred million places! Dasher, Dancer, mind your paces! Don't you dare to break the traces!"
Then I'd shake the reins and shout To milkmen that might be about, "Clear the way For Santa's sleigh, Because I'm driving it to-day!"
THE PARTY DRESS
All year long the timid maple has been dressed in prim and sober Little plain utilitarian gowns of quiet tints of green; But Spring is gone, and Summer's past, and now that it's October The modest little maple tree is costumed like a queen. Just look now, through our window, and I'm sure that you'll agree That her party dress is pretty as a party dress can be!
THE CLOCK THAT AUTUMN WINDS
School is like a clock that stops In vacation time. --Tick, tock; tick, tock-- A sing-song rhyme. Every school day is a minute. This clock has long minutes in it!
In vacation time it stops! Not a sound at all!-- Not a tick, not a tock! --Hanging on the wall Waits the clock until Fall finds it, Stands upon a chair and winds it!
CONVERSATION
In proper sentences of purr And monosyllables of mews When I have told my news to her, My kitten tells me kitten news.
THE HOMESICK STAR
The candle stood beside my bed And dropped a little tear; I sat up, shivering, and said, "I know you're lonesome here;
"You'd rather have the sky than me; You've been too kind by far To say so. Now I've guessed, you see, That you're a homesick star!
"I'll send you home again, for I Was homesick once, and know; And when you're safely in the sky And I am here below,
"Then don't forget me, candle, please, But twinkle very plain On dark, dark nights about like these Above my window pane."
Then, (though I am afraid at night That thieves might be about,) I screwed my eyes up very tight And blew the candle out!
THE LONESOMEST FAIRY
There's a dewdrop shining bright On the grass by the sun undried, It's a tear that fell in the night When the lonesomest fairy cried.
THE PRESENT
The sky is like a Christmas tree, The burning stars its candles be; The moon's a bulky gift and odd, Marked, "To the World, With Love, From God."
GRIEF
Forget it soon? It's 'cause I know That I'll forget, I'm crying so!
THE SATURDAYS' PARTY IN FAIRYLAND
All the Saturdays met one day (Each was very polite, they say), They shook each other by the hand, And had a party in Fairyland!
They wouldn't let any Monday in, And not one Tuesday at all could win Her way past the supercilious crowd! And Wednesdays--why, they weren't allowed!
Thursdays could only stand in the street And look through the door at the things to eat! And the Fridays and Sundays pretended they Didn't like parties, anyway!
But the Saturdays had the greatest fun! They played "Hop-scotch" and "Run-sheep-run," And "Frog-in-the-meadow," and "Pull-away!" And everything else they wanted to play!
They used the Throne for "Musical Chairs" As if the Fairy Queen's house were theirs! In rooms enchanted they ran and hid, And whatever they wished they could do, they did!
And after they'd played and played and played, They had pink straws in their lemonade! And the cookies and tarts were like a dream! And all the Saturdays had ice-cream!
I'd my doubts when I heard--And you have yours-- But strange things happen on Foreign Shores! And they say that the best fête ever planned Was the Saturdays' party in Fairyland!
THE SORROWS OF A SEAMSTRESS
I'm learning to sew; I'm basting And hemming, and all that. But I wish that the eye were bigger Or the thread not quite so fat!
MY MOTHER'S GARDEN IS THE SEA--
My mother's garden is the sea If it is viewed aright. The sweet alyssum borders are The ocean's breakers white;
The butterflies and humming-birds Are sea-gulls flying o'er; And in our gravel garden path I pace a foreign shore!
THE GYMNASTIC CLOCK
The little clock is friends with me, It talks as plain as plain can be, And says, each morning as it rises, "Now, don't forget your exercises! Both hands above your head, you know! Then lower them very slowly, so; Ho, don't get tired and stop, that way! _I_ exercise like this, all day!" Right in its face then, I say, "Pooh! I wouldn't boast of it, like you, But I can swing my arms 'round, too!" And so the clock then looks at me, And I look back, and I and he Each single morning, when we rise, Just exercise and exercise!
SNOWFLAKES
The fairies called snowflakes all dressed up in white, They went to the dance, and were dancing all night.