After the Rain

T'was in that merry month called May

Anonymous

I recall how hard it rained that day

I was a child, a child of five

Blonde and strong and clear blue-eyed.

Out after the rain went I to play

To romp in the sun's warming ray

Chanced I to meet small Suzy O'Toole

Five years and freckles and no one's fool.

A pert little Miss; my next door neighbor "Come Johnny boy, I need a favor" She smiled so sweetly I could not resist I could not refuse; I had to assist.

"Rescue my dolly, please Johnny," she cried Dolly had fallen in a stream so wide Caught on a rock in the midst of the deep

"I'll do it," said I and prepared to leap.

The doll was rescued, brought safe to shore But, alas, I was soaked and wet to the core And stumbling had fallen into the dirt

Covered with mud were my pants and shirt.

-

Suzy O'Toole said no thanks not a word Only her laughing giggles were heard "How funny, you clumsy boy," she said

And back home I ran my face all red.

"Johnny dearest, what have you done?" Mother spoke angrily to her son "I had to rescue Suzy's dolly"

I humbly explained my recent folly.

Signs of anger fled from her eye

She patted me softly and said with a sigh "Poor Johnny, these were your only clean clothes What you'll wear now only heaven knows."

42