WHAT POLLY FOUND IN HER STOCKING

by: Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888)

ITH the first pale glimmer,

Of the morning red,

Polly woke delighted

And flew out of bed.

To the door she hurried,

Never stopped for clothes,

Though Jack Frost's cold fingers

Nipt her little toes.

There it hung! the stocking,

Long and blue and full;

Down it quickly tumbled

With a hasty pull.

Back she capered, laughing,

Happy little Polly;

For from out the stocking

Stared a splendid dolly!

Next, what most she wanted,

In a golden nut,

With a shining thimble,

Scissors that would cut;

Then a book all pictures,

"Children in the Wood."

And some scarlet mittens

Like her scarlet hood.

Next a charming jump-rope,

New and white and strong;

(Little Polly's stocking

Though small was very long,)

In the heel she fumbled,

"Something soft and warm,"

A rainbow ball of worsted

Which could do no harm.

In the foot came bon-bons,

In the toe a ring,

And some seeds of mignonette

Ready for the spring.

There she sat at daylight

Hugging close dear dolly;

Eating, looking, laughing,

Happy little Polly!

• Louisa May Alcott: Bibliography - A bibliography of Alcott's poetic, prose, and dramatic works; includes a list of critical resources.
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