Groundhog Day

by Solveig Paulson Russell

Up from his hole with eyes half-shut,

A furry groundhog poked his head,

And, squinting all around about,

“It is time to crawl out,” he said.

He sniffed the cold air carefully—

It made his moustache quiver

And forced his eyes to open wide

And made his middle shiver.

He looked into the clouded sky

For a single ray of sun;

Then he looked around for shadows,

But he didn’t see a one.

And so he shook his furry head

And warmed himself with springing.

He turned some somersaults and spins

While clapping paws and singing.

And here is what he sang aloud:

“Heigh-ho and happy day!

Though very few can guess it now,

Spring’s surely on its way!”

Illustrated by Charles Quilter