The Poetry Corner

What The Snake Saw (The Adventures Of Seumas Beg)

By James Stephens

A little girl and a big ugly man Went down the road.The girl was crying And asking to go home, but when she ran He hit her on the head and sent her flying, And called her a young imp, and said he'd break Her neck unless she went with him, and then He smacked her on the cheek., I was a snake At that time crawling through a robber's den, And diamonds were sticking to my tongue, (That's the best dodge), but when I saw the way He beat the little girl I up and flung A stone at him.My aim was bad that day Because I hit the girl ... and she did sing! But he jumped round and cursed like anything.