The Katydids
By James Whitcomb Riley
Sometimes I keep
From going to sleep,
To hear the katydids "cheep-cheep!"
And think they say
Their prayers that way;
But katydids don't have to pray!
I listen when
They cheep again
And so, I think, they're singing then!
But, no; I'm wrong, -
The sound's too long
And all-alike to be a song!
I think, "Well, there!
I do declare,
If it is neither song nor prayer,
It's talk - and quite
Too vain and light
For me to listen to all night!"
And so, I smile,
And think, - "Now I'll
Not listen for a little while!" -
Then, sweet and clear,
Next "cheep" I hear
'S a kiss.... Good morning, Mommy dear!