My Inside-Self

My Inside-Self and my Outside-Self

Are different as can be.

My Outside-Self wears gingham smocks,

And very round is she,

With freckles sprinkled on her nose,

And smoothly parted hair,

And clumsy feet that cannot dance

In heavy shoes and square.

But, oh, my little Inside-Self—

In gown of misty rose

She dances lighter than a leaf

On blithe and twinkling toes;

Her hair is blowing gold, and if

You chanced her face to see,

You would not think she could belong

To staid and sober me!