Tabu

There are so many things I may not do, For when I try to they all say, "Not that! That is the one thing, darling, that's Tabu; No! No! You cannot have a baseball bat— Baseball is not for little girls like you."

I long to slide down bannisters quite fast, And walk upon my hands, and turn back-flops Like circus clowns; but Grannie is aghast If I do these, and so they quickly stop, And all the world is dark and overcast.

I greatly wish to climb an apple tree, Or skate on roller skates around the block— (Not in the kitchen!) I just want to be Where fire engines live, or at the dock To watch the fishermen come in from sea.

I'd rather not feed gold-fish in a bowl, Or take my mother's dog out on a string; I don't desire to plant seeds in a hole. To pull up weeds, when God loves everything, Gives me the queerest feeling in my soul.

I know that I may bake a cake with Jane, Or skip a while with my new skipping rope; And I may take a walk if there's no rain Or blow some bubbles with the bathroom soap; Well—these things only give my heart a pain.

I think "Tabu" is quite the nicest word; It sounds like something pleasant you can play, But don't believe it! Though it seems absurd, It means "Forbidden," spelled another way. (In German it's "Verboten")—Daddy heard.