Sonny’s Wish
By Bertha M. H. Shambaugh
Sometimes before I go to bed
I ’member things that Grandpa said
When I sat close beside his knee
And Grandpa laid his hand on me.
I ’member how he’d smile and say,
“Well, what did Sonny do to-day?”
’Cause Grandpa always liked to know
(I s’pose that’s why I miss him so).
I never had to coax and plead
For things I really didn’t need:
I’d ‘splain it in an off-hand way
And Grandpa brought it home next day.
When I grow up I’d like to be
A grandpa with a boy like me
To live with and to bring things to:
That’s what I’d like the most to do.
I’d rummage ’round and hunt about
For things the boy could do without,
Because you see of course I’d know
That’s why the boy would like them so.
And when I’d bring some brand new toy
And someone said, “You’ll spoil that boy!”
I’d only shake my head and say,
“A good boy isn’t spoiled that way.”
When Sonny said he’d like to get
A nice wee doggie for a pet,
And when the grown-ups one and all
Said, “Oh, no, Son! You’re much too small,”
I’d whisper, “Come, don’t look so blue
’Cause Grandpa bought a dog for you,
A birthday present! Schh! Don’t cry!
He’s black and just about so high.”
Oh, yes! I’m sure I’d like to be
A grandpa with a boy like me
To live with and to bring things to:
That’s what I’d like the most to do.