JACK-O'-LANTERN.
Reading edition
BY MARY E. FOLSOM.
Who is this nabob come to town, After a long vacation? He seems to have a host of friends, And makes a great sensation. He stalks about these frosty nights, While troops of boys run after To welcome him with merry jests And ringing shouts of laughter. 'Tis Mr. Jack-o'-Lantern. He towers above the noisy group As though he were a grandee, And struts about upon his stilts As agile as a dandy. You might think him an Eastern prince, Because his skin's so yellow; But spite of all his airs, he is A common sort of fellow, This Mr. Jack-o'-Lantern. All summer long upon the ground He lay forlorn, dejected; No one in all the country round Was quite so much neglected. But see him now! with head aloft, He shines with regal splendor, And loyal subjects by the score Admiring homage render. How proud is Jack-o'-Lantern! Now give three cheers for Jack, my lads— Three rousing cheers, and hearty; For is he not the brightest one In all your jolly party? And though his is an empty head, He can with satisfaction Amuse a crowd, and make himself The centre of attraction. Hurrah for Jack-o'-Lantern!