Poems (Merrill)/Humorous

by Clara A. Merrill

HUMOROUS

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  "Oh!" said the chick
  To the white hen, "Run, quick!"
(They stood in the garden patch;)
  "Here's a woman coming
  Who will send us ahumming—
She's determined she'll not let us scratch!"

  "Now if 'twere a man
  That yonder I scan"
And her eyes she opened wide,—
  "And a rock he should throw
  We'd know where 'twould go
And could easily dodge it one side,—

  But this is a Woman—
  A terror uncommon.
What to do I'm sure I can't see;
  If a missile she throws
  It will veer, and, who knows?
May by accident hit you or me!"

  "You silly chick,"
  Said the white hen quick—
"Much wiser I hope you'll soon be.—
  Just stand in your track
  When she makes an attack
And your safety I will guarantee!"

  When, as it chanced,
  She firmly advanced,
Hen and chicken with diligence scratched;
  No verbal command
  Availed, so her hand
A stone from the dusty loam snatched.

  To Southward she aimed—
  And hostilely proclaimed!
('Twas just as the white hen said)
  The pebble flew forth,
  And, sailing due North,
It struck her old man on the head!