ME 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