Contents -Volume INDEX -AUTHOR INDEX -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Stedman and Hutchinson, comps. A Library of American Literature:
An Anthology in Eleven Volumes. 1891.
Vols. IX–XI: Literature of the Republic, Part IV., 1861–1889

Charlie’s Story

By Kate Upson Clark (1851–1935)

I WAS sitting in the twilight,

With my Charlie on my knee,—

(Little two-year-old, forever

Teasing, “Talk a ’tory, pease, to me.”)

“Now,” I said, “‘talk’ me a ‘’tory.’”

“Well,” reflectively, “I’ll ’mence.

Mamma, I did see a kitty,

Great—big—kitty, on the fence.”

Mamma smiles. Five little fingers

Cover up her laughing lips.

“Is oo laughing?” “Yes,” I tell him,

But I kiss the finger-tips,

And I say, “Now tell another.”

“Well,” (all smiles) “now I will ’mence.

Mamma, I did see a doggie,

Great—big—doggie, on the fence.”

“Rather similar,—your stories,

Aren’t they, dear?” A sober look

Swept across the pretty forehead,

Then he sudden courage took.

“But I know a nice, new ’tory,

’Plendid, Mamma! Hear me ’mence.

Mamma, I—did—see—a—elfunt,

Great—big—elfunt, on the fence!”

Springfield Republican, 9 Nov., 1877.