Classic Poem

I was playing with my hoop along the road
Just where the bushes are, when, suddenly,
I heard a shout. — I ran away and stowed
Myself beneath a bush, and watched to see
What made the noise, and then, around the bend,
A woman came.

She was old!
She was wrinkle-faced! She had big teeth! — The end
Of her red shawl caught on a bush and rolled
Right off her, and her hair fell down. — Her face
Was white, and awful, and her eyes looked sick,
And she was talking queer.

" O God of Grace! "
Said she, " where is the child? " and flew back quick
The way she came, and screamed, and shook her hands!
... Maybe she was a witch from foreign lands!