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

By Mary AugustaMason

1323 My Little Neighbor

MY little neighbor’s table ’s set,

And slyly he comes down the tree,

His feet firm in each tiny fret

The bark has fashioned cunningly.

He pauses on a favorite knot;

Beneath the oak his feast is spread;

He asks no friend to share his lot,

Or dine with him on acorn bread.

He keeps his whiskers trim and neat,

His tail with care he brushes through;

He runs about on all four feet—

When dining he sits up on two.

He has the latest stripe in furs,

And wears them all the year around;

He does not mind the prick of burs

When there are chestnuts to be found.

I watch his home and guard his store,

A cozy hollow in a tree;

He often sits within his door

And chatters wondrous things to me.