Play that you are mother dear, <br />And play that papa is your beau; <br />Play that we sit in the corner here, <br />Just as we used to, long ago. <br />Playing so, we lovers two <br />Are just as happy as we can be, <br />And I'll say "I love you" to you, <br />And you say "I love you" to me! <br />"I love you" we both shall say, <br />All in earnest and all in play. <br /> <br />Or, play that you are that other one <br />That some time came, and went away; <br />And play that the light of years agone <br />Stole into my heart again to-day! <br />Playing that you are the one I knew <br />In the days that never again may be, <br />I'll say "I love you" to you, <br />And you say "I love you" to me! <br />I love you!" my heart shall say <br />To the ghost of the past come back to-day! <br /> <br />Or, play that you sought this nestling-place <br />For your own sweet self, with that dual guise <br />Of your pretty mother in your face <br />And the look of that other in your eyes! <br />So the dear old loves shall live anew <br />As I hold my darling on my knee, <br />And I'll say "I love you" to you, <br />And you say "I love you" to me! <br />Oh, many a strange, true thing we say <br />And do when we pretend to play!<br /><br />Eugene Field<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/at-play/
