Opposites
The
Walked out into the
And splashed in all the pubbles
She had such shocking
The
Stayed quietly in the
And sat upon the fender
As still as any mouse.
The
Her hands were black as ink;
She would come running through the
And begging for a drink.
The
Her hands were white as snow;
She did not like to play around,
She only liked to sew.
The
Lost hair ribbons galore;
She dropped them on the garden walks,
She dropped them on the floor.
The Patent-Leather-Slipper-ChildO thoughtful little girl!
She liked to walk quite soberly,
It kept her hair in curl.
The
When she was glad or
Just flung her arms round Mother's
And kissed her very loud.
The
Was shocked at such a sight,
She only offered you her
At morning and at night.
O
Your happy laughing
Does like a scented Summer
Make sweet the dullest place.
O
My dear,
I'm well
To have my daughter in my arms,
And not an ornament.
Katherine Mansfield
Other author posts
Secret Flowers
Is love a light for me A steady light, A lamp within whose pallid pool I Over old love-books
The Awakening River
The gulls are mad-in-love with the river, And the river unveils her face and smiles In her sleep-brooding eyes they mirror their shining wings She lies on silver pillows: the sun leans over her
The Secret
In the profoundest There is a rainbow shell, It is always there, shining most Under the greatest storm
Sea
The Sea called—I lay on the rocks and said:I am come She mocked and showed her teeth, Stretching out her long green arms Go away