Her Old Rubber Doll

The Rubber Doll whistles, the Rubber Doll squeaks,

The Rubber Doll listens, and mutters and speaks;

It jumps and it tumbles and oft has a fall,

But nothing can equal that old Rubber Doll.

A hundred times a day our little one kisses it,

A hundred times a day our little one misses it,

A hundred times a day she makes it squall;

Then she catches it and blesses it,

And smothers it and caresses it,

     And talks very knowing to her old Rubber Doll.

The Rubber Doll scolds and the Rubber Doll squawks,

The Rubber Doll whispers and grumbles and talks;

It moans as it cries with a pitiful call,

But baby just worships he old Rubber Doll.

A hundred times a day our little one sighs for it,

A hundred times a day our little one cries for it,

     A hundred times a day she lets it fall;

Then she caches it and snugs it up,

And drowsily she hugs it up,

     And drops off to slumber with her old Rubber Doll.

April 17, 1898

                                             

 (This is actually Helen White, whose older Brother,                                                                                                                                                               

Harold, would marry Joe Cone's daughter, Irene. Helen                                                                                                                                                            

died shortly after the picture was taken, so they probably                                                                                                                                                           

never met each other).