IX.

Yesterday I watched you when you set
There with your little lunch-box in your lap;
I seen you nibble at a ginger snap,
And wished that where your lips had made it wet
I'd have a chance to take a bite and let
My mouth be right where yours was before;
And after you had got your apple e't,
And wasn't lookin', I picked up the core.
I pressed my mouth against it then, and so
It seemed almost the same as kissin' you,
Your teeth had touched it, and your red lips, too,
And it was good and tasted sweet, and, oh,
I wished you'd bring an apple every day
And I could have the cores you'd throw away.

X.

I wish, when you was through your work some night
And goin' home alone, and had your pay
Stuck in your stockin'—what you drew that day—
A robber'd come along with all his might
And you'd be nearly scared to death, and right
There in the street you'd almost faint and say:
"Good robber, please don't hurt me—go away!"
And as he grabbed you then I'd come in sight.
I wish I'd be as strong as two or three
Big giants then, and when I handed one
Out to him he'd be through, all in, and done,
And then you'd look and see that it was me,
And, thinkin' of the great escape you had,
You'd snuggle in my arms and just be glad.

XI.