A Long, Long Way

I.     It's a long, long way to the country, where     I wade and splash in the creek;     And a long, long way to the Ferncreek Fair,     The Fair where I was last week:     It's a long, long way to the end of the world,     Where the sun blows out his beams;     But the way is short, in your warm bed curled,     To the old, old Land of Dreams. II.     It's a long, long way to go up stairs     When you're down in the yard below;     And a long, long way where no boy cares     To ever want to go:     It's a long, long way to the world's far end,     Where the stars sit down with God;     But the way is short, so I comprehend,     To the wonderful Land of Nod. III.     It's a long, long way when you have to be dressed,     When you'd very much rather play;     And a long, long way, let it be confessed,     To leave where you'd rather stay:     It's a long, long way to the end of the Earth,     Where the night rolls dark and deep;     But the way is short, in your cozy berth,     To the far, far Land of Sleep. IV.     It's a short, short way when you go to school,     But a long, long way back home;     And my teacher says you can find a fool     No matter where you roam:     It's a long, long way, so my father says,     Till some folks see a jest;     But the longest way of all the ways     Is the way to the Land of Rest.