Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TABLE RULES FOR LITTLE FOLKS by ANONYMOUS

First Line: IN SILENCE I MUST TAKE MY SEAT
Last Line: IN PRAISE FOR HIS WONDROUS LOVE
Subject(s): CHILDREN;ETIQUETTE;GRACE; CHILDHOOD;MANNERS;COURTESY;
In silence I must take my seat,
And give God thanks before I eat;
Must for my food in patience wait,
Till I am asked to hand my plate;
I must not scold, nor whine, nor pout,
Nor move my chair nor plate about;
With knife, or fork, or napkin ring,
I must not play, nor must I sing.
I must not speak a useless word,
For children should be seen, not heard;
I must not talk about my food,
Nor fret if I don't think it good;
I must not say, "The bread is old,'
"The tea is hot,' "The coffee's cold';
My mouth with food I must not crowd,
Nor while I'm eating speak aloud;
Must turn my head to cough or sneeze,
And when I ask, say "If you please';
The tablecloth I must not spoil,
Nor with my food my fingers soil;
Must keep my seat when I have done,
Nor round the table sport or run;
When told to rise, then I must put
My chair away with noiseless foot;
And lift my heart to God above,
In praise for all his wondrous love.




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