When We

They say the sea hawk is a bird
That sees some splendid sights
When he soars high into the sky
Upon his dizzying flights:
He sees the ground for miles around
Our house, and Mr. Johnson's.
You and I, some summer day,
Providing we're allowed,
Will go up in an aeroplane
And sail right through a cloud.
But, if they say we may not go,
We'll stay upon the ground
With other things that have no wings,
And watch them walk around.
They say the bottom of the sea
Is beautiful to view;
They say the fish, whene'er they wish,
Can sail and see it too,
The shining pearls, the coral curls,
The sharks, the squids, the snappers,
And fish with fins (though not in tins)
And fish with funny flappers.
And you and I, some sunny day,
When weather's in condition,
Will go there in a submarine,
Providing we've permission.
But if they say we may not go
We must respect their wishes;
And you and I will just keep dry
Because we're obedeicious.
And when we are all through with that
And there’s still time for spending,
When work is done, we’ll have our fun
By simply just pretending.
The earth is quite a jolly place,
So when we’re back from flying
And seeing things that creep the deep
And wonders mystifying,
Then if they'll grant a holiday
Or even only half,
We'll lie in some tall grassy place,
And think of things, and laugh.

You and I
C. Michael James Dennis