Page:Negro poets and their poems (IA negropoetstheirp00kerl).pdf/162

The rover calls in every child,
And sets his pulses running wild!

“Do stop that noise and take your seat!
Joe, learn to study quietly!
Why girl, it surely has me beat
How you forget geography!
Brazil’s in Spain? Here, close that book!
What caused the Civil War, you say?—
Suzanna says somebody took
Her beads; return them right away!

“Now boy, I told you once before
To put that story book away!
I’ll call the roll: Beatrice Moore,
Why were you absent yesterday?
Why yes, I heard that mocking bird.
Lee Arthur, straighten up your face!
Well, surely, class, you never heard
Of adverbs having tense and case!

“Now, James, explain the term ‘per cent,’
My, my, ’tis surely not forgot!
If it were fun or devilment
You’d know it all, sir, like as not!
Who put that bent pin in my chair?
No one of course—bent pins can walk!
I’ll tell you though, had I sat there
I’d make these straps and switches talk.

“A picnic on for Saturday?
(I wish that I were going, too!)
Oh, no! I couldn’t get away,
I have so many things to do.