ONLY A DOLL!
Reading edition
BY SARAH O. JEWETT.

Polly, my dolly! why don't you grow? Are you a dwarf, my Polly? I'm taller and taller every day; How high the grass is!—do you see that? The flowers are growing like weeds, they say; The kitten is growing into a cat! Why don't you grow, my dolly? Here is a mark upon the wall. Look for yourself, my Polly! I made it a year ago, I think. I've measured you very often, dear, But, though you've plenty to eat and drink, You haven't grown a bit for a year. Why don't you grow, my dolly? Are you never going to try to talk? You're such a silent Polly! Are you never going to say a word? It isn't hard; and oh! don't you see The parrot is only a little bird, But he can chatter so easily. You're quite a dunce, my dolly! Let's go and play by the baby-house: You are my dearest Polly! There are other things that do not grow; Kittens can't talk, and why should you? You are the prettiest doll I know; You are a darling—that is true! Just as you are, my dolly!
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