A Little Busy Body

O dear! I’ve got so much to do,

I never, never shall get through;

I’ve had so much of work today

I haven’t even stopped to play,

And now it’s time to go to bed –

I wish ‘twere getting up instead.

This morning, first, I had to eat,

Then wash and dress my dollies neat,

And take them for an airing, too,

And it was noon when I got through;

And then I had to eat – land sakes,

Just think of all the time it takes!

And then I had to set about

And carry all my play things out;

And dust them off and wipe them too,

Just as I’ve seen my mama do.

And then I had my room to sweep,

And rock my dollies all to sleep.

I cannot see the reason why

Girls have to work so much as I;

It’s just like this most every day,

I cannot find the time to play.

And now it’s time to go to bed –

I wish ‘twere getting up instead.

July 21, 1906