Classic Poem

Oh, Cuckoo, Cuckoo away on Knockree,
'Tis well for yourself now you're idle and free,
For there you are gaming away on the hill,
And I in the schoolhouse obliged to sit still.
Is it “When will you come?”
When I finish my sum.
If the clock would strike four
Then they'll open the door.
Let you call me then, Cuckoo, call loud and I'll come.

Away in the meadow the corncrakes shout
“Will you come now an' seek me? Come out, come out.
I'm under the window, I'm close to the wall,
I'm holding the world up for fear it would fall.
Am I under your feet,
Or away in the wheat?
Let you seek for me soon;
I've been calling since noon.”
And it's here I sit working, nigh kilt with the heat.

The king has a right to make it a rule
That only old men should be sitting in school.
I'm moidhered with voices singing and humming,
“The hours are passing and when are you coming?”
Just a minyit or more
An' they'll open the door.
When I've finished my sum
Be aware! for I'll come.
Ah! Now glory to goodness! the clock's striking four!