ANONYMOUS

"His Sixth Birhday"

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He has given up his cradle and his little worsted ball,

   He has hidden all his dolls behind the door :

He must have a rocking-horse,

And a hardwood top of course,

   For, he isn't mamma's baby any more.

He has cut off all his curls, they are only fit for girls.

   And has left them on a heap upon the floor;

For he's six years old to-day,

And he's glad to hear them say

   That he isn't mamma's baby any more.

He has pockets in his trousers, like his elder brother Jim;

   Though he thinks he should have had them long before;

Has new shoes laced to the top,

'Tis a puzzle where they stop;

   And he isn't mamma's baby any more.

He has heard his parents sigh, and has greatly wondered why

   They are sorry, when he has such bliss in store;

For he's now their darling boy,

And will be their pride and joy,

   Though he cannot be their baby any more.