Dressing Up

By Annie Malin

Sometimes I borrow mother’s scarf,
Her long kimono too,
Her slippers and her feather fan
Which is a lovely blue.

I put her bracelet on my arm,
Her necklace, too, I wear,
And with gold paper make a crown
To wear upon my hair.

And when I’m dressed I’m finer far
Than anyone you’ve seen,
And Daddy stares at me, and says,
“Why, this must be the queen!”

It’s fun to play at dressing up
And wear a royal gown,
But when I’m tired, I take it off,
And lay aside my crown.

’Cause then you see I’m just myself,
In my own clothes I’ll be,
Then Daddy says, “My girl’s come back!”
And Mother kisses me.

(1924)