Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THEY DIDN'T THINK, by PHOEBE CARY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Once a trap was baited Last Line: Cause you didn't think. Subject(s): Thought | ||||||||
ONCE a trap was baited With a piece of cheese; It tickled so a little mouse It almost made him sneeze; An old rat said, "There's danger Be careful where you go!" "Nonsense!" said the other, "I don't think you know!" So he walked in boldly -- Nobody in sight; First he took a nibble, Then he took a bite; Close the trap together Snapped as quick as wink, Catching mousey fast there, 'Cause he didn't think. Once a little turkey, Fond of her own way, Wouldn't ask the old ones Where to go or stay; She said, "I'm not a baby, Here I am half-grown; Surely I am big enough To run about alone!" Off she went, but somebody Hiding saw her pass; Soon like snow her feathers Covered all the grass. So she made a supper For a sly young mink, 'Cause she was so headstrong That she wouldn't think. Once there was a robin Lived outside the door, Who wanted to go inside And hop upon the floor "Ho, no," said the mother, "You must stay with me; Little birds are safest Sitting in a tree." "I don't care." said Robin, And gave his tail a fling, "I don't think the old folks Know quite everything." Down he flew, and Kitty seized him, Before he'd time to blink. "Oh," he cried, "I'm sorry, But I didn't think." Now, my little children, You who read this song, Don't you see what trouble Comes of thinking wrong? And can't you take a warning From their dreadful fate Who began their thinking When it was too late? Don't think there's always safety Where no danger shows, Don't suppose you know more Than anybody knows; But when you're warned of ruin, Pause upon the brink, And don't go under headlong, 'Cause you didn't think. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LIFE OF TOWNS: THOMAS TOWN by ANNE CARSON MILLE ET UN SENTIMENTS (PREMIERS CENTS) by DENISE DUHAMEL IT IS THE THINKING by ANSELM HOLLO SUNDAY AFTERNOON by CLARENCE MAJOR A LEGEND OF THE NORTHLAND by PHOEBE CARY |
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