I sent a letter to the fish

In winter when the fields are white,
I sing this song for your delight -

In spring, when woods are getting green,
I'll try and tell you what I mean.

In summer, when the days are long,
Perhaps you'll understand the song;

In autumn, when the leaves are brown,
Take pen and ink and write it down.

I sent a message to the fish;
I told them "This is what I wish"

The little fishes of the sea,
They sent an answer back to me,

The little fishes' answer was
We cannot do it, Sir, because ...

I sent to them again to say
It will be better to obey.

The fishes answered with a grin,
'Why, what a temper you are in!'

I told them once, I told them twice;
They would not listen to advice.

I took a kettle large and new,
Fit for the deed I had to do.

My heart went hop, my heart went thump;
I filled the kettle at the pump.

Then someone came to me and said,
The little fishes are in bed.

I said to him, I said it plain,
'Then you must wake them up again'

I said it very loud and clear;
I went and shouted in his ear.

But he was very stiff and proud;
He said, 'You mustn't shout so loud.'

And he was very proud and stiff;
He said, 'I'd go and wake them, if ...'

I took a corkscrew from the shelf;
I went to wake them up myself.

And when I found the door was locked,
I pulled and pushed and kicked and knocked.

And when I found the door was shut,
I tried to turn the handle, but.......

Lewis Carroll

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