The Crocodile

By Roald Dahl

"No animal is half as vile

As Crocky–Wock, the crocodile.

On Saturdays he likes to crunch

Six juicy children for his lunch

And he especially enjoys

Just three of each, three girls, three boys.

He smears the boys (to make them hot)

With mustard from the mustard pot.

But mustard doesn't go with girls,

It tastes all wrong with plaits and curls.

With them, what goes extremely well

Is butterscotch and caramel.

It's such a super marvelous treat

When boys are hot and girls are sweet.

At least that's Crocky's point of view

He ought to know. He's had a few.

That's all for now. It's time for bed.

Lie down and rest your sleepy head.

Ssh. Listen. What is that I hear,

Galumphing softly up the stair?

Go lock the door and fetch my gun!

Go on child, hurry! Quickly run!

No stop! Stand back! He's coming in!

Oh, look, that greasy greenish skin!

The shining teeth, the greedy smile!

It's Crocky–Wock, the Crocodile!"