LEARNING TO SWIM.

HERE I am, papa, In my new tights dressed, Crazy for a bath, It must be confessed. Shall we go straight in? Oo! the water’s cold! Let me take your hand, Nice and large to hold. I’m a big boy, now, Tall and strong of limb. Eight years old to-day, Yet I cannot swim! Teach me, please, papa; Keep my chin up ... so! Not a bit of use— Down I’m sure to go! Don’t I kick out right While my arms are spread? O, I really think That I’m made of lead! Floundering here, I feel Like so sad a dunce! It’s as though you tried Twenty things at once! While you make your strokes Regular and neat, You must also tend To your legs and feet! I don’t even float As well as some old log! O, how can you swim Unless you’re born a frog!