Old Father Time, one day <br />In his study, so they say, <br />Was indulging in a surreptitious nap, <br />When from his drowsy dreams <br />He was wakened, as it seems, <br />By a timid but persistent little rap. <br /> <br />He yawned and rubbed his eyes <br />In indolent surprise, <br />Then slowly he arose from where he sat; <br />He opened wide his door, <br />And nearly tumbled o'er <br />The figure that stood waiting on the mat. <br /> <br />A tiny little dog, <br />With excitement all agog, <br />And angry eyes that seemed to flash and glower. <br />His manner was polite, <br />But he said, 'I claim my right! <br />And I've called, sir, to demand of you my hour.' <br /> <br />'Your what?' the old man said, <br />As he shook his puzzled head; <br />And the pertinacious puppy spoke with force: <br />'Well, sir, they often say, <br />'Every dog must have his day,' <br />So a puppy ought to have an hour, of course!' <br /> <br />The old man shook with glee, <br />But he said obligingly, <br />'The dog days are all gone, I grieve to say; <br />But since you've come so far, <br />And so mannerly you are, <br />I'll give you just an hour--to get away.'<br /><br />Carolyn Wells<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-valuable-gift/
