Explore "The Katydids" by James Whitcomb Riley on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Sometimes I keep / From going to sleep, / To hear the katydids "cheep-cheep!"
And think they say / Their prayers that way; / But _katydids_ don't have to _pray_!
I listen when / They cheep again / And so, I think, they're _singing_ then!
But, no; I'm wrong, -- / The sound's too long / And all-alike to be a song!
I think, "Well, there!
I do declare, / If it is neither song nor prayer, / It's _talk_ -- and quite / Too vain and light / For me to listen to all night!"
And so, I smile, / And think, -- "Now I'll / Not listen for a little while! " -- / Then, sweet and clear, / Next "_cheep_" I hear / 'S a _kiss_. Good morning, Mommy dear!