Versos English C. J. Dennis Polly Dibbs

English poem

Polly Dibbs

by (1876–1938)

Listen in the reader

Mrs Dibbs--Polly Dibbs, Standing at a tub, Washing other people's clothes-- Rub-Rub-Rub. Poor, old, skinny arms White with soapy foam-- At night she takes her shabby hat And goes off home.

Mrs Dibbs--Polly Dibbs-- Is not very rich. She goes abroad all day to scrub, And home at night to stitch. She wears her shabby hat awry, Perched on a silly comb; And people laugh at Polly Dibbs As she goes home.

Mrs Dibbs--Mother Dibbs-- Growing very old, Says, "it's a hard world!" And sniffs and drats the cold. She says it is a cruel world, A weary world to roam. But God will smile on Polly Dibbs When she goes Home.

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I suspect the Kookaburra, For his methods are not thorough In his highly praised campaign against the snakes. And the small birds, one and all, Curse him for a cannibal-- Though he certainly is cheerful when he wakes.

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