Jana Had a Little Lamb

You might be asking, “What’s with all the sheep, Jana?” Well, I have always loved sheep, especially lambs. When I was about twelve, we went with my grandma to Huntsville, a rural area where we got three bum lambs. These are lambs that the mother won’t feed, so they would die if someone doesn’t take care of them. Grandma took one home, and we took two.

We kept them in a pen in our yard, we fed them milk with baby bottles, and watched them grow. They are the cutest animal. They had long stringy tails that wiggled like spaghetti when they were happy. And they would follow my sister and I wherever we went. They also are exuberant leapers, kind of stiff-legged. We loved our lambs, and then they grew too big to keep in our yard, so they went to Grandpa’s farm.

I recently came across the complete version of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” No wonder the child verse we used to sing seemed so unfinished. I wanted to share it with you, as we are grateful for Spring and new birth. And for kindness, which is always in season.

 Mary's Lamb

By Sarah Josepha Hale (published 1830)

Mary had a little lamb,

    Its fleece was white as snow,

And everywhere that Mary went,

    The lamb was sure to go.

He followed her to school one day —

    That was against the rule,

It made the children laugh and play,

    To see a lamb at school.

And so, the Teacher turned him out,

    But still he lingered near,

And waited patiently about,

    Till Mary did appear.

And then he ran to her and laid

    His head upon her arm,

As if he said — "I'm not afraid —

    You'll shield me from all harm."

"What makes the lamb love Mary so?"

    The little children cry.

"O, Mary loves the lamb you know,

    The Teacher did reply,

"And you each gentle animal

    In confidence may bind,

And make them follow at your call,

    If you are always kind."