Madison Julius Cawein (Мэдисон Джулиус Кавейн)
Bad Luck
Once a rabbit crossed my road When I went to see my aunt; And another time a toad Hopped right in my way. You can't Kill toads, for that makes it rain, And would spoil your day again. But the rabbit if I could I'd have killed him. For one day Once a boy he told me, "Should A wild rabbit cross your way, Look out for bad luck that is, If your fingers ain't cross-criss." But if I had shot him dead I'd not been unlucky; no; And not fallen out of bed That same night; or stumped my toe Playing"I Spy"; nor the string Broken when I went to swing. Talk about bad luck! I guess That old rabbit brought it. Well; Maudie had on her new dress, And I pushed her, and she fell In a creek-hole, where you're bound To get wet so Maudie found. I I pulled her out that is, Buddie helped me. Bud's a boy Who was fishing there. And Liz, Maud's old nurse, she took my toy, My toy-whip, and she was mad Whipped my legs and called me bad. Then she said Maud might have drowned; And the creek was full of"dumb Pollywogs and snakes "; a sound Whipping just might help me some: Maybe Maud would catch a cold And my mother should be told. No, sir. I don't want to see Any rabbits anyways Cross my road. Why, gemenie! (That's a swear-word Maudie says) If I saw one only one, I would turn and run and run.
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