Classic Poem

I AIN'T afraid to lay here in the dark
 And listen to the hall clock tickin' slow;
I ain't afraid to hear that old mouse run
 And gnaw the wall—he can't get out, I know.
I ain't afraid to shut my eyes an' hold
 Them tight. But I just can't help feeling queer;
I get so lonesome, ma, I 'd like to cry—
 I would n't feel so bad if you was here!

I like to hear you laughing on the porch,
 And always when my pa smokes a cigar
I get a little smell of it up here—
 And that 's the way I know just where you are.
He 's sittin' in the corner, where it 's dark,
 And you are close beside him—just as near
As I would get to you if you would come—
 I would n't feel so bad if you was here!

Of course, I know I 'm just a little boy
 And have to sleep a lot, so I will grow
Into a great big man, like pa is now—
 But sometimes it is awful hard to go!
I like to hear you talk, and I could be
 Lots quieter than you think I could, O dear!
I wish, ma, that you 'd married only me —
 I would n't feel so bad if you was here!