# Sing-Song: When Fishes Set Umbrellas Up - Source: Sing-Song (sing-song.gutenberg.org), Public domain, Christina Rossetti, pictures by Arthur Hughes, 1872, via Project Gutenberg - Reading level: Ages 4 to 6 - Subjects: Poems, Animals, Nature - Topics: planted, baby, grew, hope, autumn, bush - Length: 259 words, about 2 min - Original: - Page: - Open in Sprouts: When fishes set umbrellas up If the rain-drops run, Lizards will want their parasols To shade them from the sun. ## The peacock has a score of eyes The peacock has a score of eyes, With which he cannot see; The cod-fish has a silent sound, However that may be; ## No dandelions tell the time No dandelions tell the time, Although they turn to clocks; Cat’s-cradle does not hold the cat. Nor foxglove fit the fox. ## Pussy has a whiskered face Pussy has a whiskered face, Kitty has such pretty ways; Doggie scampers when I call, And has a heart to love us all. ## The dog lies in his kennel The dog lies in his kennel, And Puss purrs on the rug, And baby perches on my knee For me to love and hug. ## Pat the dog and stroke the cat Pat the dog and stroke the cat, Each in its degree; And cuddle and kiss my baby, And baby kiss me. ## If hope grew on a bush If hope grew on a bush, And joy grew on a tree, What a nosegay for the plucking There would be! ## But oh! in windy autumn But oh! in windy autumn, When frail flowers wither, What should we do for hope and joy, Fading together? ## I planted a hand I planted a hand And there came up a palm, I planted a heart And there came up balm. ## Then I planted a wish Then I planted a wish, But there sprang a thorn, While heaven frowned with thunder And earth sighed forlorn. ## Picture credits - Arthur Hughes, Public domain () - Arthur Hughes, Public domain () - Arthur Hughes, Public domain () - Arthur Hughes, Public domain () - Arthur Hughes, Public domain () - Arthur Hughes, Public domain ()