Classic Poem

" I wish she had not died, " she said;
The words were soft and low;
" Most little girls like me, papa,
Have dear mammas, you know.

" There 's Lulu Hart next door. Oh, dear!
I think it is so sweet
To have your mother nod to you
Across the window-seat.

" And often when we 're playing games,
Lu throws a kiss up there;
And when she rolls her hoople well,
She knows some one will care.

" Do you think God was good to take
My own mamma away?
For I was just a baby then —
Papa, why don't you say? "

" Yes, yes, my child, " he sobbed. " Mamma
Is very happy, dear. "
His little girl sprang up, nor cared
Another word to hear.

" Why, papa, crying! Please don't cry.
Do you feel sorry, too?
Now, papa, see. I never meant
I did n't care for you.

" Poor eyes! all wet. I 'll kiss them dry.
What 's in your pocket? See.
Oh, where 's your watch? Now, wont you please
Just make it tick for me?

" It 's nice to have a dear papa; —
How big it is, and bright!
I hear it ticky, ticky, ticky!
It 's very loud to-night.

" Ride me to Banbury Cross, papa!
Now don't you let me fall.
When I was littler, how I slipped!
I could n't keep on at all.

" Oh, there 's the tea-bell! Now you 've tossed
My hair like everything!
I 'll toss yours, too. Oho! oho!
You look just like a king —

" For kings have crowns, you know, papa,
And your hair 's standing straight.
I knew you 'd laugh. There, now, you 're good —
Come, quick, and show Aunt Kate. "

Aunt, at the table, glanced at one,
Then, slyly, at the other;
She could not think what hidden thing
Had happened to her brother.
His shining hair stood like a crown,
His smile was warm and bright, —
" Why, John, " she said, " you really seem
Like your old self to-night. "