Granpa Goes Shopping

By Edgar A. Guest

I'm new to this grandpa business,
and this is my first trip out.
There's a present I want to buy him.
Do you mind if I look about?
Or maybe you can help me?
What have you lately sold?
For a marvelous little fellow
--say--just about twelve months old.

Time was when I knew the toy shops
--oh--twenty-eight years ago,
when his dad was a little fellow.
There were gadgets that used to go,
and autos and cranes and sand rigs
--and I managed them all somehow.
But this is my grandson lady!
and what must I get him now?

Maybe 'twould help a little
if I told you about him first.
His eyes are as round as buttons
and you've seen a sunbeam burst!
Well, that is the smile he gives you,
and he's bright as a sunbeam too!
Too young for a train you tell me?
Well, how would a baseball do?

I've got to go home with something,
and something that's mighty nice.
Show me the best in the toy shop;
don't bother about the price.
What's this? Another rattle?
Just right for his chubby hand?
It's to go to my grandson, lady!
I guess you don't understand.