Classic Poem

( WITH VARIATIONS )

One night I woked up quick — I'd heard a sound
Like some one moving through our downstairs hall,
It was too late for folks to be around
And so I thought at first I 'd better call —
But then I 'membered 'bout a book I read
Of how a girl had gone downstairs one night
And found a burglar there, and what they said —
And after that the burglar 'haved all right!

So I got up and tiptoed down the stairs
And there he was! A really burglar-man!
He had our silver piled up on the chairs
Out in the dining-room, so I began:
" O, Mr. Burglar, please do n't make a noise,
My mamma 's got a headache, and she 'd be
Most scared to death — you can have all my toys
If you 'll just stay down on this floor with me! "

He sort of jumped when he first heard me speak,
And then he grumbled, " Blame the sassy kid! "
And when he grabbed me up, I kissed his cheek —
(But still he did n't ACT as if I did!)
For he just tied me in my little chair
And stuffed a napkin in my mouth and said,
" You should n't butt in — after this, take care!
You can't believe the stories that you 've read. "

*****

Our cook, Miranda, found me there asleep,
When she came down next morning. O, dear me
But I was tired! After this I 'll keep
Still in my bed — and let the burglars be!