When Bertha Comes to Tea

Henry Lawson, 1902

      When Bertha comes to tea
      (The kettle sings in glee)
      The cups and saucers clatter
      As they hear her chatter, chatter,
      And you wonder what's the matter
      When Bertha comes to tea.

      When Bertha comes to tea
      (Her age, I think, is three)
      She keeps you in a flutter,
      Cutting cake and bread and butter.
      "Where does it go?" you mutter,
      When Bertha comes to tea.

      When Bertha comes to tea
      (She isn't shy, not she)
      The house cat sees, clearly,
      She loves him very dearly,
      But — he's suffocated, nearly,
      When Bertha comes to tea.

      When Bertha comes to tea
      (Along with you and me)
      She's sure to bring her dolly;
      Then away with melancholy,
      And let us all be jolly
      When Bertha comes to tea.