Very Nearly

I never quite saw fairy-folk

A-dancing in the glade,

Where, just beyond the hollow oak,

Their broad green rings are laid;

But, while behind that oak I hid,

One day I very nearly did!

I never quite saw mermaids rise

Above the twilight sea,

When sands, left wet, 'neath sunset skies,

Are blushing rosily:

But—all alone, those rocks amid—

One day I very nearly did!

I never quite saw Goblin Grim,

Who haunts our lumber room

And pops his head above the rim

Of that oak chest's deep gloom:

But once—when mother raised the lid—

I very, very nearly did!