Pay Attention Emily Brown
Written by Linda Burton
Illustrated by Carl Burton
Would you please pay attention, Miss Emily Brown?
You've looked in...
...and looked out.
You've looked up and looked down.
You've looked at that sunbeam, that bird, and this bee...
Now, Emily Brown, would you please look at me?
Where are you, Miss Emily Marjorie Brown?
Did you fly off to Mars?
Did you stroll into town?
Are you sliding down mountains, or sailing the sea?
There is one thing I know...
You are not here with me!
Perhaps you can't see me, Miss Emily Brown...
Should I paint myself red?
Should I put on a crown?
Should I light myself up like a bright Christmas tree?
Please, Emily Brown, pay attention to me!
I know! You can't hear me!
Right, Emily Brown?
I'll go buy a foghorn to make a big sound.
Or maybe some cymbals would just guarantee
(if I added some drums)
that you'd listen to me.
Just think, Emmy Brown, for a moment or two...
Suppose that I told you my toes had turned blue?
Suppose that I started to fly overhead?
Or spread candy and presents all over your bed?
If I hung upside down by an arm and a knee,
do you think, Emmy Brown, you would listen to me?
Please tell me, Miss Emily, what can I say
to turn your attention a little my way?
Or maybe a hug and a kiss would go far
to show you I want you the way that you are.
For whatever you don't or whatever you do,
I love you so much, you lovable you.
