Enjoy these Althea Randolph poems. Althea Randolph was born in the 1800s. She published her first and only book, A Shower of Verses, in 1914. The poetry book was primarily written for children, however, there are poems that adults will also enjoy.
At the beginning of the book she writes:
'Tis thus, my little Darlings,
These rhymes were sown for you.
Within your Nursery-gardens
Will you plant my poems, too?
The book description states the book contains, Mother's Treasure Book, Fancies, Fairies, and Frolics, Twilight Poems. She ends the book with the following rhyme:
My dearest children big and smalls
Whene'er you read these rhymes recall
The one who wrote them loves you all!
Oh, Mary dear, don't talk so loud!
Do learn to modulate your voice;
Don't grab the best of everyrthing.
Wait first, till others make their choice;
Add "Thank you" when you say a Yes,
And "Thank you" when you answer No!
Be ladylike and dignified,
And gentle, too, where'er you go!
Don't pull your hat down on your nose,
Nor chew your gloves while you are out!
Don't lose the ribbons from your braids,
And let your hair fly all about!
Stand straight upon your feet, my dear.
And turn your toes out when you walk;
Be thoughtful for your little friends,
And let them have a chance to talk!
Don't tear the buttons off your shoes.
And never, never slam a door!
Another thing, dear child, don't do -
Drop handkerchiefs upon the floor!
Don't twist your curls, nor knot your sash;
And never bite your nails, oh, no!
Don't blot your books, — Do dot your i's,
Don't run your words together so!
Your teachers mind, — heed what they say,
Recite your lessons well in school;
When playing with the boys and girls,
Obey always the Golden Rule!
Don't chatter, chatter all the time,
'Tis well to be a listener, too;
Don't fool away each hour of day,
For there is often work to do!
Be prompt, be neat, be kind and good;
And don't forget yotir prayers at night; —
Do all these Do's — Don't do the Don*ts,
And you, my child, will grow up right!
I have a little Rose,
And what do you suppose?
It has ten pretty toes,
One cunning little nose.
And hair tied up with bows.
Why, everybody knows
It is my Baby Rose!
What do little flowers say,
As they grow up day by day?
"We are glad that we are fair,
And with fragrance fill the air,
For our pleasure is to give
Happiness to all who live!"
This is what the flowers say.
As they grow up day by day!
What do little birdies say.
As they grow up day by day?
"Let us sing a song so glad,
That to all the world we'll add
Paeans of praise and joy and love.
In gratitude to God above!"
This is what the birdies say.
As they grow up day by day!
What should little children say.
As they grow up day by day?
"Let us sing as birdies do.
Songs of joy and praises true;
Let us each be as a flower
Budding in Earth's living-bower.
Shedding sweetness everywhere,
Proving God's great loving care!
Do you ever stop in play.
Just a little prayer to say:
"Let me grateful be always.
Learn to love and to obey"?
Try this simple little way;
It will brighten all the day!