NAUGHTY JOHNNIE FROST
"Little Leaf," said young Jack Frost,
"Pretty Leaf," said he,
"Tell me why you seem so shy,
So afraid of me?
I protest I like you well—
In your gown of green
You're the very sweetest Leaf
I have ever seen!"
"Run away," said little Leaf,
"Prithee, run away!
I don't want to listen to
Anything you say.
Mother-tree has often said:
'Child, have naught to do
With young Johnnie Frost' — I think
That, perhaps, he's you!"
"Nay, believe me, little Leaf,
Pretty Leaf '! Indeed
To such silly, idle tales
You should pay no heed!
I protest a leaf so fair
Need not bashful be—
There's no reason why you should
Feel afraid of me."
"Well, perhaps," said little Leaf,
"I will let you stay—
If you're really very sure
You mean all you say?
Do you truly like me best— "
"Yes, oh yes!" he said,
"And, to prove it, pray accept
This new dress of red !"
Very proud was little Leaf,
Whispering with a smile,
"'Tis a sweetly pretty gown,
'Twill be quite the style!"
Then she chanced to glance around!
"Oh!" and "Oh!" she said
Every leaf upon the tree
Wore a dress of red!
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| The Shining Ship and Other Verse for Children Isabel Ecclestone Mackay Toronto: McClelland, Goodchild & Stewart, 1918 |
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