CHARLOTTE THE CONQUEROR
When Charlotte is playing croquet
It's really refreshing to see.
She wins in the cheerfullest way,
Or loses (but rarely!) with glee.
She chooses the ball that is blue,
And dashes straight into the fray.
I want to be present—don't you?—
When Charlotte is playing croquet.
And Charlotte is playing croquet
From breakfast-time almost till tea.
She coaxes us, "Please, won't you play?"
And somehow, we always agree.
Then oh, for the ball that is blue!
What matter the tasks of the day?
There's something important to do,
For Charlotte is playing croquet!
When Charlotte is playing croquet,
The neighbors come over to see,
The grocer is tempted to stay,
The butcher's boy gives advice free,
The doctor, forgetting his care,
Will linger a bit on his way.
There are partners enough and to spare,
When Charlotte is playing croquet.
HANNAH G. FERNALD.