Dear mamma, if you just could be A tiny little girl like me, And I your mamma, you would see How nice I’d be to you. I’d always let you have your way; I’d never frown at you and say, “You are behaving ill today, Such conduct will not do.”
I’d always give you jelly-cake For breakfast, and I’d never shake My head, and say, “You must not take So very large a slice.” I’d never say, “My dear, I trust You will not make me say you must Eat up your oatmeal”; or “The crust You’ll find is very nice.”
I’d buy you candy every day; I’d go down town with you, and say, “What would my darling like? You may Have anything you see.” I’d never say, “My pet, you know ‘Tis bad for health and teeth, and so I cannot let you have it. No— It would be wrong in me.”
And every day I’d let you wear Your nicest dress, and never care If it should get a great big tear; I’d only say to you, “My precious treasure, never mind, For little clothes will tear, I find.” Now, Mamma, wouldn’t that be kind? That’s just what I should do.
I’d never say, “Well, just a few !” I’d let you stop your lessons, too; I’d say, “They are too hard for you, Poor child, to understand.” I’d put the books and slates away; You shouldn’t do a thing but play, And have a party every day. Ah-h-h! wouldn’t that be grand!
But, Mamma dear, you cannot grow Into a little girl, you know, And I can’t be your mamma; so The only thing to do, Is just for you to try and see How very, very nice ‘twould be For you to do all this for me , Now, Mamma, couldn’t you?
