TEACHER'S PET
by John T. Baker
Last day of school the teacher
Opened presents from her class;
In almost every instance
Expectations came to pass.

Young Michael's package, tissue-wrapped,
She smelled and bobbed her head;
His father was a florist, so
"It's flowers!" Teacher said.

"That's right!" squealed Michael in surprise
But eager to confess;
"How could you tell?"  The teacher smiled,
"Oh, just a lucky guess!"

Patricia's gift was covered with
Bright ribbons blue and red;
Her father had a candy shop;
"Its sweets!" the teacher said.

"How did you know?" Patricia cried
In obvious distress;
The teacher kissed her on the cheek,
"I made a lucky guess."

Then Johnny handed her a box,
"Now, Teacher, don't you peek!"
The teacher noticed underneath
The box a dripping leak.

She knew that Johnny's father owned
A discount liquor store;
She touched the leak and tasted it,
Then sipped a little more.

"It must be wine," she diagnosed,
But Johnny frowned dissent,
So Teacher tried a few more drops
In growing puzzlement.

"Champagne?" She sampled it again;
Still Johnny shook his head;
"Well, I give up!  So what's inside?"
"A puppy!" Johnny said.