Old Mother Hubbard Went to the cupboard, To give her poor dog a bone; But when she got there, The cupboard was bare, And so the poor dog had none. "Oh my!" she exclaimed With hands on her hips, "What shall we do now, dear Rover?" Both tummies were rumbling, The shelves were all bare, Not a single scrap left over! "No bones for you, pup, No bread for my soup, But that won't stop us, no sir! Your tummy still grumbles, And mine does the same, So shopping together, for sure!" Old Mother Hubbard Put on her red hat With flowers and ribbons galore. Rover jumped up With a bark and a wag, And raced her right to the door. Down cobblestone streets They skipped and they dashed, Their empty baskets in tow. Mother Hubbard imagined A feast warm and grand, With delicious treats, high and low. First stop was the baker With flour on his nose, Kneading dough soft and sweet. "My cupboard is empty, We both need some food, Do you have something tasty to eat?" The baker just laughed And reached for a tray Of biscuits shaped just like a bone! "For dear little Rover, And fresh crusty bread For your dinner at home." Rover barked "Thanks!" (Or that's what it seemed) As Mother placed goods in her bag. "Now where shall we go? Who else can we see?" As Rover's tail continued to wag. They spotted the butcher With apron so white, Arranging his window display. "Good morning!" he called, "What brings you both here On this fine and beautiful day?" βOur cupboard was bare, No food could be found, Not a biscuit, crumb, or slice.β The butcher just smiled And wrapped up some meat, βThis will make your dinner quite nice!β Just then they heard music And turned 'round to see A market so lively and bright. Fruits of all colors And vegetables fresh All stacked up in rainbow delight. A kind farmer smiled And waved them both over, "You two look hungry indeed! For soup I have carrots And plump potatoes, All the fresh veggies you need." All through the morning They gathered good things, Their baskets grew heavy with food. Through kindness and laughter, Their troubles grew small, And their hearts filled with gratitude. Back home they trudged With treasures untold, Rover pranced proudly ahead. Mother Hubbard unlocked Their cozy front door, "Time to cook dinner!" she said. She chopped and she stirred At her warm kitchen stove, While Rover watched with delight. A soup rich with veggies, Some meat and fresh bread, And a large bone, just right! The wonderful smells Filled their small little house, As dinner was finally done. Mother set the worn table With bowls side by side, One for her and her furry chum. The once-empty cupboard Now bursting with food, Made Rover dance 'round with glee. Mother Hubbard spooned soup In her bowl and his dish, Everything perfect as could be. As evening approached And stars filled the sky, Rover curled up by the fire. With a bone in his mouth And a belly so round, He gave a big yawn and then retired. Old Mother Hubbard Sat down in her chair, Her own tummy full and content. "When cupboards are empty And both of us hungry, Together is how best day's spent." So if you should find Your own cupboard bare, Remember what Mother Hubbard knew: Adventures in friendship Fill more than just tummies, And kindness comes back home to you.
