So I lie just still as I can-- My heart a-thumping so! Wishing I were a great big man, So I’d not scare, you know. When oh!--the covers pull away And just as I begin To scream--why, I hear mother say It’s her tucking them in! WHEN OUR FATHERS WERE LITTLE BOYS When our fathers were little boys, Before they grew to men, I wonder did they make a noise Or have a good time then? I wonder did they ever fight And punch each other’s nose? Or if they always did just right And never spoiled their clothes. I wonder did their mothers scold Sometimes and make them cry? I wonder if they ever told A teeny-weeny lie? I wonder if they ever had Such dirty hands and face? I wonder were they ever mad And banged things ’round the place? I wonder did they ever run To fires hard as they could? Or if they called it better fun To sit still and be good? I wonder _were_ they ever small And kept back in the shade? Or didn’t they have to grow at all, But just come ready made? SLUMBER LAND To all: “Good-night!” Two eyes shut tight And baby’s bound for Slumber, The land where all tired children go, The land where white dream-flowers grow Beyond my art to number: Winks And blinks And nods all past-- Mother’s arms are sure and fast, Off to Slumber Land at last, The moonlit Land of Slumber! THE NEW BROTHER We’ve got a new kid in our house; And it ’bout gives me a fit, The fuss that ev’rybody is A-making over it. All ’long I’ve been the pet, you see, ’Twas _me_ they tried to please But now, this other fellow has Them all upon their knees! He’s just about the ugliest! And really doesn’t seem Able to do another thing But double up and scream. He’s got no teeth, he’s got no hair,-- Worst curiosity! I’d like some one to tell me _why_ He counts for more than me! End of Project Gutenberg's Poems of Life, by Katharine Forrest Hamill