Elves and Fairies

One morning very early (after break of dawn), 
I tiptoed down the stairs and looked out on the lawn; 
There on the sparkling grass I saw a tiny elf 
Dancing and singing, and laughing to himself! 
\Little legs a-flying he kicked his wee feet high 
'til I thought his chestnut boots would surely touch the sky! 
Blue cap a-bobbing he seemed to dance for hours - 
Then crept exhausted to rest in the flowers. 
Later in the morning (from my secret bower), 
I saw a tiny fairy, bright like fairies are! 
With a silver thimble and tiny golden spray 
She was sprinkling each flower that came her way. 
Her dress was heavenly blue; shoes, the palest pink, 
Her shining crown and her wings, gossamer, I think. 
And when she saw me watching her, she said `good-day', 
Spread her tiny wings and quickly flew away! 
And later in the afternoon I looked up high, 
And saw elves and fairies helping paint the sunset 
On the sky. And in the evening (bed-time hours), 
With their silver wands, helping light up the stars!