A child recalls a summer picnic in the woods, where grown-ups and children slip into their own separate worlds. The speaker rides in a wagon full of hay, notices Joe B. Kirk finding a toad and a katydid, and joins a ring game led by Miss Kate-Marie. Small details matter more than any big event: a kiss that embarrasses no one, a rope swing, a peach, a chicken wing, cherry pie, cake, and lemonade. The mood is sunny and unhurried, full of a child’s satisfaction with play and treats. There is no tension or lesson—just the pleasure of being included, eating good things, and remembering exactly who was there and what they did. The poem feels like a fond memory told in a child’s voice, where food, friendships, and small adventures are more than enough.
The Picnic — Summary
They had a picnic in the woods, And Mother couldn't go that day, But the twins and Brother and I could go; We rode on the wagon full of hay.
There were more little girls than ten, I guess. And the boy that is Joe B. Kirk was there. He found a toad and a katydid, And a little girl came whose name was Clare.
Miss Kate-Marie made us play a song Called "Fare-you-well, says Johnny O'Brown." You dance in a ring and sing it through, And then some one kneels down.
She kissed us all and Joe B. Kirk; But Joe B. didn't mind a bit. He walked around and swung his arms And seemed to be very glad of it.
Then Mr. Jim said he would play, But Miss Marie, she told him then, It's a game for her and the little folks, And he could go and fish with the men.
Mr. Wells was there and he had a rope To tie to a limb and make it swing. And Mrs. Wells, Mr. Wells's wife, Gave me a peach and a chicken wing.
And I had a little cherry pie And a piece of bread, and after we'd played Two other songs, I had some cake And another wing and some lemonade.