The Housekeeper
(The Snail)
The snail carries his house on his back...
The Housekeeper
(The Snail)
Poem
The frugal snail, with forecast of repose,
Carries his house with him wherever he goes;
Peeps out, -and if there comes a shower of rain,
Retreats to his small domicile again.
Touch but a tip of him, a horn -'tis well-
He curls up in his sanctuary shell.
He's his own landlord, his own tenant. Stay
Long as he will, he dreads no Quarter Day*.
Himself he boards and lodges, both invites
And feasts himself; sleeps with himself o' nights.
He spares the upholsterer trouble to procure
Chattels**; himself is his own furniture,
And his sole riches. Wheresoever he roam,
-Knock when you will- he's sure to be at home.
 - English Children's Songs - England - Mama Lisa's World: Children's Songs and Rhymes from Around the World
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Notes
*Quarter Day is when people paid rent in England.
**Chattel refers to your property (except for real estate).
Written by Charles Lamb.
