Chapter 22

Nursery Phymes and. Lullabies

!From EnglandThe Little Hedgehog's WalkThe little hedgehog walks at night, Beneath the moon's soft silver light, He tucks his nose beneath a leaf, And dreams of berries, small and sweet.Roll up tight, little one, roll up tight, The stars will keep you safe tonight.From JapanThe Paper CraneFold the paper, fold it true, Once for red and once for blue, Fold it small and fold it neat, Give your crane a pair of feet.Send it flying, send it high, Paper cranes can touch the sky.From TurkeyThe Bazaar SongCome to the bazaar, come and see, Figs and honey, sweet as can be, Pomegranates red as the setting sun, Spices and silks for everyone.Clap your hands and stamp your feet, Every color, every sweet!From West AfricaThe Drumming RainThe rain drums down on the baobab tree, Drum, drum, drum, just listen to me, The frogs all sing and the river runs wide, And the little fish dance on the bright silver tide.Drum, little rain, drum all night long, The earth is thirsty and loves your song.From IndiaThe Mango TreeUnder the mango tree I sit, Where the yellow butterflies flit, The mangoes hang like golden bells, And the warm sweet air with honey smells.Swing, little mango, swing and sway, I'll come back to you another day.From MexicoThe Firefly DanceLittle firefly, blink and glow, Show me which way I should go, Through the corn and through the night, Lead me home with your tiny light.Blink once, blink twice, blink three times bright, Little firefly, good night, good night.From ScandinaviaThe Snow FoxThe snow fox runs on silent paws, Across the ice without a pause, Her coat is white as winter's breath, She leaves no track, she makes no step.Sleep now, child, the fox runs free, She'll guard the night for you and me.From the Middle EastThe Date Palm SongTall date palm, tall date palm, Standing in the golden calm, Your fruit is sweet, your shade is cool, You are the desert's greatest jewel.Sway, tall palm, sway in the breeze, You are the kindest of all the trees.From ChinaThe Lantern FestivalRed lantern, gold lantern, floating up high, A hundred bright lanterns light up the sky, Make a wish as they rise, make a wish as they glow, Watch them drift where the warm evening breezes blow.Float up, little lantern, float up and away, Carry my wish to the end of the day.From the AmazonThe River's LullabyThe river sings a silver song, It has been singing all night long, The pink dolphin leaps and dives, And the jungle hums with a thousand lives.Sleep, little one, the river knows, Which way the wind of dreaming blows.From IrelandThe Selkie's ChildThe selkie swims in the cold green sea, She sings a song for you and me, Half of her heart is under the wave, Half of her heart is warm and brave.Hush now, child, the sea is deep, The selkie sings you off to sleep.From Native AmericaThe Eagle's GiftThe eagle flies where the four winds meet, Above the mountains, above the sleet, He sees the rivers, he sees the plain, He sees the sun come back again.Fly high, eagle, fly and soar, You carry the sky forevermore.That's your collection — thirteen original nursery rhymes from thirteen corners of the world. Would you like more from any particular region, or shall I add a few more traditions?