The Tree-Toad

written by


« Reload image

"'Scurious-like," said the tree-toad,
  "I've twittered far rain all day;
  And I got up soon,
  And I hollered till noon--
  But the sun, hit blazed away,
  Till I jest clumb down in a crawfish-hole,
  Weary at heart, and sick at soul!

"Dozed away far an hour,
  And I tackled the thing agin;
  And I sung, and sung,
  Till I knowed my lung
  Was jest about give in;
  And then, thinks I, ef hit don't rain now.
  There're nothin' in singin', anyhow!

  "Once in awhile some
  Would come a drivin' past;
  And he'd hear my cry,
  And stop and sigh--
  Till I jest laid back, at last,
  And I hollered rain till I thought my th'oat
  Would bust right open at ever' note!

  "But _I fetched_ her! O _I fetched_ her!--
  'Cause a little while ago,
  As I kindo' set,
  With one eye shet,
  And a-singin' soft and low,
  A voice drapped down on my fevered brain,
  Sayin',--' Ef you'll jest hush I'll rain!'"

© James Whitcomb Riley