Froebel. The Farmyard Gate

From The songs and music of Friedrich Froebel's Mother play (Mutter und kose lieder), edited by Susan Blow. This poem is by Mrs. Pollen, adapted by Emily Huntington Miller.

THE FARMYARD GATE

Oh, what a clatter!
Now what's the matter?
The sheep they hurry.
The chickens scurry.
The calf is bawling,
The farmer calling,
"Johnny, run, and shut the gate!"

The cock is crowing,
The cows are lowing,
The ducks are quarking.
The dogs are barking.
The ass is braying,
The horse is neighing.
"Johnny, run, and shut the gate!"

The birds are singing.
The bell is ringing.
The pigs are squeaking,
The barn door creaking.
The brook is babbling,
The geese are gabbling.
"Johnny, run, and shut the gate!"

(illustration from the book)