Uploaded on February 28, 2012
When young Melissa sweeps a room
I vow she dances with the broom!
She curtsies in a corner brightly
And leads her partner forth politely.
Then up and down in jigs and reels,
With gold dust flying at their heels,
They caper. With a whirl or two
They make the wainscot shine like new;
They waltz beside the hearth, and quick
It brightens, shabby brick by brick.
A gay gavotte across the floor,
A Highland fling from door to door,
And every crack and corner’s clean
Enough to suit a dainty queen.
If ever you are full of gloom,
Just watch Melissa sweep a room!
—Nancy Byrd Turner
Favorite Poems Old and New
02.28.2024: So much has changed.