WAITING.
Reading edition
BY MARGARET JOHNSON.
I said, "When will the summer come? Mamma, is it not late?" She smiled, and answered. "By-and-by; Be patient, child, and wait." I asked papa if he would buy A new wax doll for me. He pinched my cheek, and said, "Not now; Be patient, and I'll see." "Nurse, tell me when my dear rose-bush A blossom red will bear." "Oh, by-and-by, my dear. Don't fret. Come, let me brush your hair." "When shall I grow so tall, papa, That I can reach your head?" "Quite soon enough, my little one; Wait patiently," he said. "Dear me!" I thought; "they all say 'Wait.' I'll put my dolls away. And go and sit upon the stairs As long as I can stay." Now I have waited patiently For hours and hours and hours, And yet the dear doll has not come, The summer, nor the flowers. I have not grown a single bit, And now I know it's late. I'm going up to tell mamma It does no good to wait.