Carolyn Wells

“ IN CENTRAL PARK
In Central Park, along the Mall,
We see the gay goat-carriage crawl;
With little boys and girls inside,
Enjoying their exciting ride.
Right willingly each nimble steed
Exerts his very utmost speed;
And o'er the smooth hard road they race
At something like a turtle's pace. ”

“ They jerk and struggle to be free—away they go again!
They wibble-wobble as they sail, and sometimes they upset,—
Of course he reaches out for them,—of course he gets quite wet.
But Aged Grandsires, if you must sail boats in Central Park,
Play properly, don't splash yourself, and run back home ere dark. ”

“ And beg that they may stay at home and play;
And then, permission given, these same children, as a rule,
Delight in playing school the livelong day!
Ah, no wonder poets feature
Woman as a captious creature. ”