Little Gertie Takes A Bath

Little Gertie was so dirty
But wouldn't take a bath
Her mom would fuss
Her dad would cuss
Which only made her laugh.

She played until the sun went down
Outside in dirt and grime
Mud caked on feet
From soap she'd flee
Bath time to her a crime.

Each night her family would plead
But she didn't give a care
She'd shake her head
A loud "NO" was said
And she'd go on up the stairs

Then one day while at play
A stranger did she meet
A boy her age
Was quite the rage
Made her heart skip a beat.

A nicer sight she'd never seen
From the dirt she slowly rose
He was so fair
With reddish hair
And freckles across his nose.

She asked him if he'd like to play
He looked her up and down
With scrowl on face
He stood in place
Giving her a great big frown.

"You are so dirty" he said to Gertie
"I couldn't play with you
I'd be afraid
The dirt would stay
Long after play was through."

A tear fell down from her sad eyes
As he turned and walked away
Back to her home
She walked alone
Much too sad to play.

With head hung low inside her house
Then slowly up the stairs
She felt so bad
Her heart was sad
Her soul was in despair.

Then all at once she had a thought
It didn't have to end like that
Every spot was washed
With soap and cloth
When little Gertie took her bath.