Pa put that radio in for me--at least he told me so, But if it's really mine or not, is something I don't know, 'Coz Pa he wants it all himself, to hear the funny things, An' Ma must hear the concerts through when some great artist sings, But when the parson starts to talk on Selfishness an' Sin, Pa says: "Now it has come the time for you to listen in." _The Yellow Dog_ It was a little yellow dog, a wistful thing to see, A homely, skinny, battered pup, as dirty as could be; His ribs were showing through his hide, his coat was thick with mud, And yet the way he wagged his tail completely captured Bud. He had been kicked from door to door and stoned upon his way, "Begone!" was all he'd ever heard, 'twas all that folks would say; And yet this miserable cur, forever doomed to roam, Struck up a comradeship with Bud, who proudly brought him home. I've never seen so poor a dog in all my stretch of years, The burrs were thick upon his tail and thick upon his ears; He'd had to fight his way through life and carried many a scar, But still Bud brought him home and cried: "Say, can I keep him, Ma?" I think the homeless terrier knows that age is harsh and stern, And from the shabby things of life in scorn is quick to turn; And when some scrubby yellow dog needs sympathy and joy, He's certain of a friend in need, if he can find a boy. _The Fairy and the Robin_ A fairy and a robin met Beside a bed of mignonette. The robin bowed and raised his hat, And smiled a smile as wide as--that-- Then said: "Miss Fairy, I declare, I'd kiss you, only I don't dare." The fairy curtsied low and said: "Your breast is such a lovely red, And you are such a handsome thing, And, oh, such pretty songs you sing-- I'd gladly kiss you now, but I May only kiss a butterfly." The robin spoke a silly word: "I'm sorry I was born a bird! Were I a fairy-man instead, Then you and I might some day wed." The fairy laughed and said: "My dear, God had to have some robins here. "Be glad you're what you are and sing And cheer the people in the Spring. I play with children as I'm told, But you bring joy to young and old, And it seems always strange to me I'm one the old folks never see." The robin spoke: "Perhaps it's best. I'll sing my songs and show my breast And be a robin, and you stay And share in all the children's play. God needs us both, so let us try To do our duty--you and I." How do I know they said these things? I saw the robin spread his wings, I saw the fairy standing up Upon a golden buttercup, I hid myself behind a wall And listened close and heard it all. _Good Night_ How many times we've said good night And kissed her as we turned away, Knowing that with the morning light She'd greet the beauty of the day.