Master Johnnys Next-Door Neighbor
By Bret Harte (Francis)
It was spring the first time that I saw her, for her papa and mamma moved in
Next door, just as skating was over, and marbles about to begin;
For the fence in our back yard was broken, and I saw, as I peeped through the slat,
There were Johnny-jump-ups all around her, and I knew it was spring just by that.
I never knew whether she saw me, for she didnt say nothing to me,
But Ma! heres a slat in the fence broke, and the boy that is next door can see.
But the next day I climbed on our wood-shed, as you know Mamma says Ive a right,
And she calls out, Well, peekin is manners! and I answered her, Sass is perlite!
But I wasnt a bit mad, no, Papa, and to prove it, the very next day,
When she ran past our fence in the morning I happened to get in her way,
For you know I am chunked and clumsy, as she says are all boys of my size,
And she nearly upset me, she did, Pa, and laughed till tears came in her eyes.
And then we were friends from that moment, for I knew that she told Kitty Sage,
And she wasnt a girl that would flatter that she thought I was tall for my age.
And I gave her four apples that evening, and took her to ride on my sled,
And What am I telling you this for? Why, Papa, my neighbor is dead!
You dont hear one half I am saying, I really do think its too bad!
Why, you might have seen crape on her door-knob, and noticed to-day Ive been sad.
And theyve got her a coffin of rosewood, and they say they have dressed her in white,
And Ive never once looked through the fence, Pa, since she died at eleven last night.
And Ma says its decent and proper, as I was her neighbor and friend,
That I should go there to the funeral, and she thinks that you ought to attend;
But I am so clumsy and awkward, I know I shall be in the way,
And suppose they should speak to me, Papa, I wouldnt know just what to say.
So I think I will get up quite early, I know I sleep late, but I know
Ill be sure to wake up if our Bridget pulls the string that Ill tie to my toe;
And Ill crawl through the fence, and Ill gather the Johnny-jump-ups as they grew
Round her feet the first day that I saw her, and, Papa, Ill give them to you.
For youre a big man, and, you know, Pa, can come and go just where you choose,
And youll take the flowers in to her, and surely theyll never refuse;
But, Papa, dont say theyre from Johnny; they wont understand, dont you see?
But just lay them down on her bosom, and, Papa, shell know theyre from Me.