"What would you do," said the little key
To the teak-wood box, "except for me?"
The teak-wood box gave a gentle creak
To the little key; but it did not speak.
"I believe," said the key, "that I will hide
In the crack, down there by the chimneyside,
"Just so this proud old box may see
How little it's worth except for me."
It was long, long, afterward, in the crack
They found the key, and they brought it back.
And it said, as it chuckled and laughed to itself,
"Now I'll be good to the box on the shelf."
But the little key stopped, with a shiver and shock;
For there was a bright new key in the lock.
And the old box said: "I am sorry, you see;
But the place is filled, my poor little key."
Selected.
