Katy Did and Didn't

Hidden in the maple leaves,
Just above the cottage caves,
     Is the house of fairy things
     With their green and gauzy wings,
Rarely seen, but clearly heard
Piping this responsive word:
                         “Katy did!”

Who, I ask in thought alone,
Came away from Baby-zone,
Full of sweetness, love, and glee,
With a boon from Heaven to me?
                         “Katy did!”

Who before her tongue could speak
Gave my beard a merry tweak,
     And put up her lips for this,
     Offering an atoning kiss?
                         “Katy did!”

Who had pits in cheek and chin
To hide mamma’s kisses in?
     And more dimples to be kissed,
     Four upon each chubby fist?
                         “Katy did!”

Once somebody “stealed a pen
To write love to Uncle Ben;”
     Smooched her dress and spilled the ink;
     Who got caught there, should you think?
                         “Katy didn’t!”

When her mamma, tired with care,
Dropped into her easy chair,
     Who crept up and brought her rest,
     Snuggled warmly on her breast?
                         “Katy did!”

Who put burs in pussy’s fur
“To make pretty crimps for her?”
     And when kitty cried said, “Oh
     Naughty girl, to plague me so!”
                         “Katy didn’t!”

Ha!  know you, roguish sprite,
Sitting up there out of sight!
     If I praise, or gently chide,
     You speak up on Katy’s side;
All her mischief you deny,
And to all her sweet ways cry
                         “Katy did!”