A Queen O’ May

Please call me early, mother dear,

     Around the break o’ day;

And lock up little brother dear,

     He’ll spoil the Queen of May.

For I’m to be the Queen they say,

The latest thing of May.

I want your new hat, mother dear,

     The big peach-basket lid;

No, I will have no other, dear

     My subjects have forbid.

The Queen of May, my playmates state,

This year must be right up-to-date.

I want your new gowns, mother dear

     And all your newest clothes;

You stay in bed with brother dear, –

     And what I’m ssaying goes.

I’ve got to have your whole array

To be a decent Queen o’ May.

April 28, ‘09