building wells in india
in the style of edward lear
**The Whispering Wells of Wobbling Wicket**
In a land where the sun doth simmer and sweat,
Where the shadows dance-like—soft n’ beset,
There’s a well, deep and dark, so awfully fine,
With a bucket that twirls and a rope full of twine.
“O, come, come ye lads, with your spades and your cheer,
Dig and dig ’neath the banyan, for the water is near!”
But hear ye the murmurs, the murmurs that creep,
Of souls lost in laughter, in slumber, in sleep.
Wells deep as secrets, with water like night,
Bring whispers of wonders—hide well from the fright!
So tread with your lanterns, and sing a sweet tune,
‘Neath the winking of stars and the watch of the moon.