Giant and the star : little annals in rhyme / by Madison Cawein [electronic text]

A LONG, LONG WAY

I

IT's a long, long way to the country, where I wade and splash in the creek; And a long, long way to the Ferncreek Fair, The Fair where I was last week: It's a long, long way to the end of the world, Where the sun blows out his beams; But the way is short, in your warm bed curled, To the old, old Land of Dreams.

II

It's a long, long way to go up stairs When you're down in the yard below; And a long, long way where no boy cares To ever want to go: It's a long, long way to the world's far end, Where the stars sit down with God; But the way is short, so I comprehend, To the wonderful Land of Nod.

III

It's a long, long way when you have to be dressed, When you'd very much rather play; And a long, long way, let it be confessed, To leave where you'd rather stay: It's a long, long way to the end of the Earth,Where the night rolls dark and deep; But the way is short, in your cozy berth, To the far, far Land of Sleep.

IV

It's a short, short way when you go to school, But a long, long way back home; And my teacher says you can find a fool No matter where you roam: It's a long, long way, so my father says, Till some folks see a jest; But the longest way of all the ways Is the way to the Land of Rest.