 | The Complete Works of James Whitcomb Riley |  |
2057
THE KATYDIDS
Sometimes I keep
From going to sleep,
To hear the katydids “cheep-cheep!”
And think they say
Their prayers that way;
But katydids don't have to pray!
From going to sleep,
To hear the katydids “cheep-cheep!”
And think they say
Their prayers that way;
But katydids don't have to pray!
I listen when
They cheep again;
And so, I think, they're singing then!
But, no; I'm wrong,—
The sound's too long
And all-alike to be a song!
They cheep again;
And so, I think, they're singing then!
But, no; I'm wrong,—
The sound's too long
And all-alike to be a song!
I think, “Well, there!
I do declare,
If it is neither song nor prayer,
It's talk—and quite
Too vain and light
For me to listen to all night!”
I do declare,
If it is neither song nor prayer,
It's talk—and quite
Too vain and light
For me to listen to all night!”
2058
And so, I smile,
And think,—“Now I'll
Not listen for a little while!”—
Then, sweet and clear,
Next “cheep” I hear
'S a kiss. ... Good morning, Mommy dear!
And think,—“Now I'll
Not listen for a little while!”—
Then, sweet and clear,
Next “cheep” I hear
'S a kiss. ... Good morning, Mommy dear!
| The Complete Works of James Whitcomb Riley | |