English poem
Smashes the Cuckoo to bits, causing the machinery to run…
by Oliver Herford (1863–1935)
(Smashes the Cuckoo to bits, causing the machinery to run down.)
Help, stop it, some one!
(It stops.)
Well, upon my word, You’re tough for such a very little bird, I thought you’d never die! and now, my dear, The family will very soon be here, And when they see how little’s left of you They’ll be so glad they won’t know what to do— To think the Cuckoo’s killed and they are free To work or play or sleep or take their tea Just when they please—and, best of all, how jolly To feel they owe it all to “Pretty Polly”!