I NEVER quite saw fairy-folk
A-dancing in the glade,
Where, just beyond the hollow oak,
Their broad green rings are laid :
But, while behind that oak I hid,
One day I very nearly did !
I never quite saw mermaids rise
Above the twilight sea,
When sands, left wet, ‘neath sunset skies,
Are blushing rosily :
But all alone, those rocks amid
One night I very nearly did !
I never quite saw Goblin Grim
Who haunts our lumber room
And pops his head above the rim
Of that oak chest’s deep gloom :
But once when Mother raised the lid
I very, very nearly did !
(Queenie Scott Hopper)