CAP AND BELLS
Reading edition
THEY make me laugh and clap my hands When they run out in wide striped clothes Of white, with red and yellow bands, With pointed caps and pointed toes,— The "funny men" at circus shows. I wish I knew just how a clown Can make his mouth up in a smile, And wrinkle in a crinkly frown His forehead all the while, In that queer circus style.
One day when I had cried and cried Because I lost the picture book Which I had made, and mother tried To comfort me, we went and took A walk, to see how clown men look. I soon forgot my book, and though I loved it just the same, I couldn't cry and miss it so, And think about each picture's name When all the clown men came.
I think we ought to say our thanks, To each of them who makes and sells Such fun and jokes, such jigs and pranks,— How dull we'd be without the spells They make with cap and bells!