Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By EugeneField

1040 The Dinkey-Bird

IN an ocean, ’way out yonder

(As all sapient people know,)

Is the land of Wonder-wander,

Whither children love to go:

It ’s their playing, romping, swinging,

That give great joy to me

While the Dinkey-Bird goes singing

In the amfalula tree!

There the gum-drops grow like cherries,

And taffy’s thick as peas,—

Caramels you pick like berries

When, and where, and how you please;

Big red sugar-plums are clinging

To the cliffs beside that sea

Where the Dinkey-Bird is singing

In the amfalula tree.

So when children shout and scamper

And make merry all the day,

When there ’s naught to put a damper

To the ardor of their play;

When I hear their laughter ringing,

Then I ’m sure as sure can be

That the Dinkey-Bird is singing

In the amfalula tree.

For the Dinkey-Bird’s bravuras

And staccatos are so sweet,—

His roulades, appoggiaturas,

And robustos so complete,

That the youth of every nation—

Be they near or far away—

Have especial delectation

In that gladsome roundelay.

Their eyes grow bright and brighter,

Their lungs begin to crow,

Their hearts get light and lighter,

And their cheeks are all aglow;

For an echo cometh bringing

The news to all and me,

That the Dinkey-Bird is singing

In the amfalula tree.

I ’m sure you like to go there

To see your feathered friend,—

And so many goodies grow there

You would like to comprehend!

Speed, little dreams, your winging

To that land across the sea

Where the Dinkey-Bird is singing

In the amfalula tree!