Jump to content

Page:Poems Odom.djvu/92

From Wikisource
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
78
NOT ONE TO SPARE.
She looks to the house and the children,And 'tends 'em while I am away.That boy with the holes in his elbows,And eyes that are sparkling so?Give him! I could n't indeed, ma'am,I never could spare little Joe.
He takes brother Jimmie his dinner,And brings sister Jessie her wood;Then sometimes he kindles the fire,And washes the dishes right good.That little girl holding the kitten,With soft yellow curls and blue eyes?Can't work? Indeed, you don't know, ma'am,How much she can do when she tries.
She runs in and out for the others,And plays with the baby all day;You see she 's a great help to Jessie,Whenever I 'm out of the way.The baby? Give you little Johnny;Oh, that 's the hardest thing yet;Not all of your riches and diamondsCould pay me for my little pet.