THE SECRET PLACE

I have a secret place up in our mango tree,

Way up on the seventh branch where nobody can see.

There I go when grown-ups scold and I don’t feel so good.

And there I do the things I like and not the things I should.

I do not sleep my siesta and nobody cares.

I dine on cake and candy and my meal’s complete,

And nobody comes to tell me exactly what to eat.

Up in my secret place, I see so many things.

There hidden by the thick green leaves I play at many game,

I go to far-off places with the queerest names

I go a-hunting tigers and elephants and bears.

I talk with knights and bandits, with pirates and kings.

I see so many wonders that others do not know. . .

Way up on the seventh branch where grown-ups cannot go.