
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE
The Bashful Earthquake
The Bashful Earthquake
The Lovesick Scarecrow
The Music of the Future
SONG.
THE DOORLESS WOLF.
The Bold Bad Butterfly
CRUMBS.
Japanesque
A modest collection of whimsical verses and sprightly fables invites listeners into a world where even the smallest creatures and grandest ideas share the same stage. The poetry swings between gentle humor and thoughtful observation, using playful rhythms that echo the cadence of an old‑time raconteur. Lighthearted illustrations accompany the words, adding a visual charm that deepens the listening experience.
Among the pieces, a shy earthquake stumbles through city streets, clumsily knocking over palaces before seeking refuge beside a dreaming dormouse. The encounter unfolds with self‑deprecating wit, as the tremor apologizes in broken grammar and learns a quiet lesson about humility. The narrative’s gentle pacing allows the absurdity to breathe, turning a potential disaster into a modest, endearing confession.
Throughout the anthology, familiar motifs—scarecrows, butterflies, wandering wolves—are reimagined with clever twists and succinct moral hints. Listeners will find a blend of clever wordplay and warm imagination that makes each poem feel like a brief, delightful conversation with an old friend.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (70K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Edwards, John Campbell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from scanned images of public domain material from the Google Books project.)
Release date
2018-03-18
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1863–1935
Best remembered for his quick wit and playful nonsense, this Anglo-American writer and illustrator delighted readers with clever verse, sharp little sayings, and charming drawings. His work moves easily between children's literature and sophisticated magazine humor, making him a fun discovery for listeners of all ages.
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