Says Mister Doojabs

Well, eight months ago one clear cold day,     I took a ramble up Broadway,     And with my hands behind my back     I strolled along on the streetcar track     (I walked on the track, for walking there     Gives one, I think, a distinguished air.)     Well, all of a sudden I felt a jar     And I said, Ill bet thats a trolley car,     And, sure enough, when I looked to see     I saw it had run right over me!     And my limbs and things were so scattered about     That for a moment I felt put out.     Well, the motorman was a nice young chap!     And he came right up and tipped his cap     And said, Beg pardon, and was so kind     That his gentle manner soothed my mind:     Especially as he took such pains     To gather up my spilt remains.     Well, he found my arms and found my head,     And then, in a contrite voice, he said,     Say, mister, I guess Ill have to beg Your pardon,     I cant find your left leg,     And he would have wept, but I said,     No! no! It doesnt matter, just let it go.     Well, I went on home and on the way     I considered what my wife would say:     I knew she would have some sharp reply     If I let her know I was one leg shy,     So I thought, on the whole, twould be just as well     For my peace of mind if I didnt tell.     Well, that was the first thing in my life     That I kept a secret from my wife.     And for eight long months I was in distress     To think that I didnt dare confess,     And Id probably still feel just that way     If it hadnt come round to Christmas Day.     Well, in good old customs I still believe,     So I hung up my stocking Christmas Eve;     (A brand-new left one Id never worn.)     And when I looked in it Christmas morn     There was my leg, as large as life,     With a ticket on it, From your wife.     Well, my wife had had it stored away     In cotton, since last Easter Day,     When she ran across it, quite by chance,     In the left hip-pocket of my pants;     And the only reproachful thing she said     Was, Look out or some day youll lose your head.