Poems (Kimball)/The Fairy's Dilemma
THE FAIRY'S DILEMMA.
ALMOST time for the ball of the last summer night, Said a fairy, crimping her hair, And my elfin wardrobe is in such a plight I really have nothing to wear! I really am quite in despair!
My buttercup satin is far from new And I do not like the tint; I have worn it twice already, too, And to wear it again would hint That I must needs pinch and stint.
I wish that my wind-flower dress were fresh How pretty that used to be!So dainty a color; so dainty a mesh; And vastly well suited to me, With pearls from the spray of the sea!
My brier-rose silk is slightly defaced And I could not match it at all, For the season is past; it needs a new waist; I might wear my gossamer shawl, The weather is so like the fall.
And this reminds me I surely must get A new fringed gentian this year,And a hoar-frost point—so costly! Yet I really must have it, 't is clear; Yes, let it be never so dear!
Oh there is my water-lily gown Imported from Slumber Bay, With the golden tassels all up and down But that will be soon passée; I think I will lay it away.
My violet—violet's quite gone out; It will rage I've no doubt next year. Oh what shall I get! and now that the drought Has made fairy fabrics so dear! Well, I must not dawdle here.
My thistle-dowu phaeton stands at the gate And I must go out for a drive; I would go to shop if it were not late; Bless me! 't is almost five By the four-o'clock, as I'm alive!
I have it—I have it! regardless of cost I will send to the Silver Cascade For a gown of that rainbow—pure sun-spinning, crossed With the choicest colors made, And warranted never to fade!
I will fringe it with mist! What an exquisite dress! Most magical thing in air!And here comes the Humming Bird Fairy Express I will hail it and speak it fair, For I must have something to wear.