Suppose, my little lady, <br />Your doll should break her head, <br />Could you make it whole by crying <br />Till your eyes and nose are red? <br />And would n't it be pleasanter <br />To treat is as a joke; <br />And say you're glad ''Twas Dolly's <br />And not your head that broke?' <br /> <br />Suppose you're dressed for walking, <br />And the rain comes pouring down, <br />Will it clear off any sooner <br />Because you scold and frown? <br />And wouldn't it be nicer <br />For you to smile than pout, <br />And so make sunshine in the house <br />When there is none without? <br /> <br />Suppose your task, my little man, <br />Is very hard to get, <br />Will it make it easier <br />For you to sit and fret? <br />And wouldn't it be wiser <br />Than waiting like a dunce, <br />To go to work in earnest, <br />And learn the thing at once? <br /> <br />Suppose that some boys had a horse, <br />And some a coach and pair, <br />Will it tire you less by walking <br />To say, 'It is n't fair?' <br />And would n't it be nobler <br />To keep your temper sweet, <br />And in your heart be thankful <br />You can walk upon your feet? <br /> <br />And suppose the world don't please you, <br />Nor the way some people do, <br />Do you think the whole creation <br />Will be altered just for you? <br />And is n't it, my boy or girl, <br />The wisest, bravest plan, <br />Whatever comes, or does n't come, <br />To do the best you can?<br /><br />Phoebe Cary<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/suppose-11/
