Classic Poem

Come in, come in, you little sparrow, tapping
My window-pane! You 'll break it soon, I vow.
How stupid! flying all around and flapping
When winter is as keen and cold as now.

There at the window-frame you're pecking vainly:
Come in, come in! The evening fire I 've lit,
Fly round the corner and you 'll see quite plainly
I 've opened the piazza door a bit.

Dear me, what saucy manners! Well, I never!
Gently!—I 'm very frank; forgive me, pray.
Peeping at my thermometer? that 's clever!
Forgive, forgive me, please: it 's just my way.

Sing out if you are hungry and a vagrant;
You don't look very shy, I 'm bound to state.
Registered are you, or a beggar flagrant?
And, please, have you your birth certificate?

You're freezing surely. Lord! you poor wee body,
In summer trousers at this time of year.
Well, may I offer you a glass of toddy?
Come in, come in! We'll talk it over here.

Here at my poetry you see me sitting,
And you could help a little while I rhyme;
Then, I the words and you the music fitting,
We'll do a little book for Christmas time.