My mother used to recite poetry to us kids and this is one she taught us. This version is taken from Modern American Poetry. Ed. Louis Untermeyer. New York: Harcourt, Brace & Howe, 1919
by: Oliver Herford (1863-1935)
The Elf and the Dormouse
UNDER a toadstool crept a wee Elf,
Out of the rain to shelter himself.
Under the toadstool, sound asleep,
Sat a big Dormouse all in a heap.
Trembled the wee Elf, frightened and yet Fearing to fly away lest he get wet.
To the next shelter--maybe a mile!
Sudden the wee Elf smiled a wee smile.
Tugged till the toadstool toppled in two.
Holding it over him, gaily he flew.
Soon he was safe home, dry as could be.
Soon woke the Dormouse--"Good gracious me!
"Where is my toadstool?" loud he lamented.
--And that's how umbrellas first were invented.
Have printed this out for my grandchild!!
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