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1881–1941

THE PICNIC

Elizabeth Madox Roberts

They had a picnic in the woods, And Mother could n't go that day, But the twins and Brother and I could go; We rode on the wagon full of hay.

There were more little girls than ten, I guess. And the boy that is Joe B. Kirk was there. He found a toad and a katydid, And a little girl came whose name was Clare.

Miss Kate-Marie made us play a song Called “Fare-you-well, says Johnny O'Brown.” You dance in a ring and sing it through, And then some one kneels down.

She kissed us all and Joe B. Kirk; But Joe B. did n't mind a bit. He walked around and swung his arms And seemed to be very glad of it.

Then Mr. Jim said he would play, But Miss Marie, she told him then, It's a game for her and the little folks, And he could go and fish with the men.

Mr. Wells was there and he had a rope To tie to a limb and make it swing. And Mrs. Wells, Mr. Wells's wife, Gave me a peach and a chicken wing.

And I had a little cherry pie And a piece of bread, and after we'd played Two other songs, I had some cake And another wing and some lemonade.

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THE PICNIC · Elizabeth Madox Roberts · Poetry Cove