THE DINKEY-BIRD

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21380, 24 June 1939, Page 6 (Supplement)

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 ardour 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’s bird bravuras And staccatos are so sweet— His roulades,appoggiatures, 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 brighter and brighter, Their lungs begin to crow, I 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'd 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! —Eugene Field.

Supplement to “ The Timaru Herald.”