A Newspaper Puff

Twelve geese In a row (So these Always go). Down-hill They meander, Tail to bill; First the gander. So they stalked, Bold as brass As they walked To the grass.

Suddenly Stopped the throng; Plain to see Something's wrong Yes; there is Something white! No quiz; Clear to sight. ('Twill amuse When you're told 'Twas a news- Paper old.)

Gander spoke. Braver bird Never broke Egg, I've heard: "Stand here Steadily, Never fear, Wait for me."

Forth he went, Cautious, slow, Body bent, Head low. All the rest Stood fast, Waiting for What passed.

Wind came With a caper, Caught same Daily paper. Up it sailed In the air; Courage failed Then and there. Scared well Out of wits; Nearly fell Into fits. Off they sped, Helter-skelter, 'Till they'd fled Under shelter.

Poor geese! Never mind; Other geese One can find, Cut the same Foolish caper At empty wind In a paper.

H. Pyle

depicting: the three as they start the journey, the shoemaker with his lady, the tailor and baker on the path, the tailor lounging in the Inn, and the baker wandering "To Nowhere."]