In Darkest Africa

At evening when the lamp is lit,
    The tired Human People sit
And doze, or turn with solemn looks
    The speckled pages of their books.

Then I, the Dangerous Kitten, prowl
    And in the Shadows softly growl,
And roam about the farthest floor
    Where Kitten never trod before.

And, crouching in the jungle damp,
    I watch the Human Hunter's camp,
Ready to spring with fearful roar
    As soon as I shall hear them snore.

And then with stealthy tread I crawl
    Into the dark and trackless hall,
Where 'neath the Hat-tree's shadows deep
    Umbrellas fold their wings and sleep.

A cuckoo calls--and to their dens
    The People climb like frightened hens,
And I'm alone--and no one cares
    In Darkest Africa--down stairs.

Oliver Herford

Oliver Herford was born in England on December 2, 1860. He was a British-born American writer, artist, and illustrator, often referred to as 'The American Oscar Wilde' for his sharp wit and humorous works. Herford authored and illustrated many books for children and adults, contributing to magazines such as "The Criterion", "Life", and "Punch". He died on July 5, 1935, in France.

Oliver Herford

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Oliver Herford, Simple Poetry

English

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When Human Folk put out the light,
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The Colubriad.

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One moment past our bodies cast
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In morning-hush, each rock and bush
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Then give the Call: "Good rest to all
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The Owlet

I.

When dusk is drowned in drowsy dreams,
And slow the hues of sunset die;
When firefly and moth go by,
And in still streams the new-moon gleams,
A sickle in the sky;
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That, frightened, screams:

"Who is it, who is it, who?
Who rides through the dusk and dew,
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II.

When night has dulled the lily's white,
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I.

When dusk is drowned in drowsy dreams,
And slow the hues of sunset die;
When firefly and moth go by,
And in still streams the new moon seems
Another moon and sky:
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With terror screams:
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Who, who, who!
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II.

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