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Artful Anticks

Chapter 22: Good·bye. A Woodland Episode.
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About This Book

A collection of short, humorous poems and light fables that animate animals, children, and fairies to expose human foibles through playful rhyme and gentle irony. Pieces range from brief narrative verses to comic monologues and a short stage piece, typically concluding with a witty reversal or moral sting. Imagery moves between domestic detail and fanciful incident, and the poems vary in meter and length to keep tone brisk. Overall the work favors whimsical satire, clever wordplay, and anthropomorphic scenarios intended to amuse while lightly admonishing readers about pride, industry, and pretension.

Good·bye.
A Woodland Episode.

PERSONS OF THE DRAMA: Miss Bird, and Mrs. Chipmunk.

Scene: The woods. Time: Last November.

Miss Bird.—Why, Mrs. Chipmunk! how do you do?
Mrs. Chipmunk.— I’m quite well, thanks, Miss Bird; and you?
Miss B.—I’m sorry to say my health is poor,
So my doctor has ordered a southern tour.
Couldn’t you manage to come along?
It would do you good—
Mrs. C.— Yes, I’m far from strong,
And it’s just what I’d most like to do
If I’d only a pair of wings—
Miss B.— Pooh! Pooh!
There are trains for people who cannot fly.
Mrs. C.—Yes, but the fares are so dreadfully high!
So really I mustn’t think of that—
Miss B.—If only you’d wings like your cousin Bat.
Mrs. C.If only! but then I haven’t, you see.
Besides, I’ve rented a hole in a tree,
On the first-floor branch just four trees west
Of the oak where you built your last year’s nest.

Miss B.—A charming neighborhood! just the thing
For a winter home—
Mrs. C.— Well, I hope, next spring,
When you’re here again, you will try to call.
Miss B.—You are very kind—
Mrs. C.— Oh, not at all!
Miss B.—Good-by, Mrs. Chipmunk.
Mrs. C.— Oh, must you fly?
Then, a pleasant journey!
Miss B.— Good-by!
Mrs. C.Good-by!